Dissatisfied with R.S.L. procedures for establishing magnetic and meteorological observatory. Called meeting of Physical Committee tomorrow and invited G. B. Airy to attend. Busy reducing JH's observations from Cape of Good Hope.

Recommends printing all three papers sent to JH—G. B. Airy's on spectral bands, [Robert] Hunt's on influence of iodine on photographic papers, and that by Lord Oxmantown [William Parsons] on large reflecting telescopes.

Sorry that JH missed RJ at W. H. Fitton's. Offers proposal to modify property taxation procedures to yield 'taxation by payments downward' and to decrease load on poorer classes.

Believes that R.S.L.'s request for £3000 grant to establish permanent magnetic and meteorological observatory is too hasty. Urges caution. Points out potential problems.

[Letter begins 11 Dec. 1839] Wrote to John Russell and Charles Grant in support of school system [at Cape of Good Hope]. [Letter continues 6 Jan. 1840:] JH sent to Colonial office testimonials for four applicants [for schoolmaster] approved by Russell. Notes devastating effect of dismissal on Andries Stockenström. Took liberty to inform Russell of JH's and GN's views on harshness of this dismissal. [Letter continues 12 Jan.:] Russell will appoint four schoolmasters picked by JH. [P.S. 11 Feb.:] JH is moving to Collingwood. Russell indicates sympathy for Stockenström. JH hopes this means new assignment for Stockenström.

Has called special meeting of Physical Committee to discuss SC's response to R.S.L.'s proposal to establish permanent observatory. Expresses JH's opinion and recommends temporary observatory instead. Keep this issue separate from funding for publication of present observations.

Appeals to JR on behalf of Andries Stockenström, whose dismissal from Cape Colony created grief. Stockenström is ready to resign that office if he can do so in a manner that permits him to continue his career in government.

Concerned about the Daguerreotype patent in England, and questions at some length a paper on the origin of freemasonry.

Waxes lyrical about nature, and comments on a new 'positive' paper JH has sent. Refers to JH's move to Hawkhurst.

Thanks for series of portraits of members of Ipswich Museum.

Thanks for [?]'s note and enclosed sonnet. Sorry that old church was replaced during JH's absence from England.

Sends a few photographs and says he has read JH's recent memoir. Will comment later.

JH is preparing to leave residence at Slough, and all notes on William Herschel's life are packed away. Refers [?] to published biographies, but adds some corrections to those.

Asks JH for comments on GA's proposals for the Standards Commission [see JH's 1840-7-29]; GA comments on some time spent recently in Glasgow and surrounding regions.

Concerned with developing photography for tourist use. Doubts that colors of the spectrum can be readily displayed on photographic paper. The'chemistry' of photography is not understood.

Considers paper by [Baden] Powell to be worthless. Sent it to JH today care of Mrs. Stewart.

Loading scientific instruments aboard ship [Anshimy?] tomorrow prevents JB from visiting JH before departure. Missed annual R.A.S. meeting. Book of 'Observations' is nearly finished. Told [J. C.] Melvill that instruments in India were not adequate for observations of astronomical refractions.

Physical Committee yesterday amended report by J. D. Forbes and recommended that R.S.L. establish a magnetical and meteorological observatory in vicinity of London.

Activities of Mr. Jones and [J. C.] Adamson in Edinburgh. Finished reducing all stars in N. L. Lacaille's Coelum australe stelliferum, but Catalog will not be finished before B.A.A.S. meeting. Will send it in portions to Francis Baily.

Progress in construction of observatory. Completion expected in May. Poor weather hampers actinometer observations.