May go to Paris next summer about barnacles.

Unable to appreciate second volume of Alexander von Humboldt’s Cosmos [1848].

Recommends review by Sir John Herschel [Edinburgh Rev. 87 (1848): 170–229].

Recommends book by Mary Somerville [Physical geography (1848)].

Mentions article [on species] by M. E. Chevreul [Ann. Sci. Nat. (Bot.) 3d ser. 6 (1846): 142–214].

Obliged for account of change in quality of wool. "Some authors will not admit that climate has any perceptible action."

Hopes his health is re-established.

Agrees that naval expeditions to the Arctic are a waste of money. Believes Sir J. Barrow responsible. "Dr [Richard?] King is quite right in the advantage of Land Expeditions".