John Herschel discovered NGC 918 = h221 on 11 Jan 1831 and logged "pF; L; R; 60"; np a *10 m, dist 3'." His position and description matches UGC 1888 = PGC 9236. This galaxy was observed 4 times at Birr Castle. On 30 Nov 1856, R.J. Mitchell recorded "vvF, pL, R. A * easily see in or near the centre, 2 others not so certain involved north of center."

400/500mm - 17.5" (1/20/90): faint, fairly large, almost round, very low surface brightness, weak concentration. A mag 15 star is involved near the northwest edge. Located 3' NNW of a mag 10.5 star.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb