Writes concerning the excavation of mammoth remains and plans JSH visit to see them, potentially with Adam Sedgwick but probably not William Whewell. Gives a description of a tusk and other remains in their present state of excavation. States that similar remains in the same stratum of gravel nearby have been destroyed by labourers. Encloses a sketch of the tusk.

Has forwarded JSH letter to a Mr Blackie in anticipation of him disproving own theories. Has heard Blackie is about to leave Thomas Coke’s service. Mentions that Cole, in a British Museum MS, has written of Sambucus ebulus growing on the Bartlow Hills.

Gives notes on dimension of two trees planted at his Audley End Estate, a Lebanon cedar and an oak.

Asks JSH to get a chemist to analyse two different specimens of chalk being used in agriculture with different results.

Compliments JSH on his account of the excavation of tumulus at Ringham. Says he has not seen Cuscuta in local region but may have seen evidence of it in scorched appearance of Berkshire clover fields.

States that his wheat harvest is not as good as previous year, but less mildewed. Describes experiment of growing different varieties of wheat in his garden, undermined by rats gaining access to them. Has observed a field of mustard on one of his farms, farmer states that it is good food for sheep and partridges.

Comments on the importance of John Warne’s flax growing scheme and growth of a large quantity of flax on a single acre at Thaxted. Also comments favourably on Warne’s theory of feeding oxen in boxes.

Fears he will have few guests for the Saffron Walden Agricultural Society annual meeting but pleased that JSH will be in attendance along with Edward Everett, the American Ambassador. JSH to advocate cooperative agricultural experiments at the meeting.