Yes, I had the puddle and stick thought some time ago, but I'm wondering if messing about with those would involve too great a possible margin for error? I'd tend to think the eye was the best instrument.
But didn't they do well? See composite picture here...
http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/post/25312
Coincidence?(NS) Deliberate, but flukey accuracy?(also NS) No more than they ought to have achieved (FW)? Brilliant?(also NS) Spacemen? (George!)
Only George is definitely wrong!