Preparing to give a lecture at the R.S.L., and writes seeking some information. Comments on some work of G. A. Plana and P. S. Laplace. [Much of this letter is illegible.]
Writes to urge GA to avail himself of the opportunity of working with Basil Hall in swinging the pendulum at Greenwich; concludes with a note for William Whewell about JH's view of the 'extremely irregular' figure of the earth.
Is sending his paper on the aberration so that it can be laid before the Board of Longitude. Also sending new table for the measurement of heights by means of the barometer. Regarding the distribution of the Memoirs to Associates.
Thanks for valuable communication, which will be laid before the Board of Longitude. Has completed own paper for the Astronomical Society. J. F. Encke has sent more copies of the proof-map. Ernesto Capocci's observations of the comet similar to his own. Has been unable to use Charles Tully's or John Ramage's telescopes yet owing to clouds.
Remarks on FB's address on astronomy [fragment only].
Asks questions about the prospectus [see JE's 1826-3-2] prepared by the Berlin Royal Academy for a map of the heavens. Asks JE to send JH a copy of [K. L.] Harding's star atlas.
Describes plan to carry out pendulum experiments with G. B. Airy. Asks JH for help in borrowing instruments from the R.S.L.
Was favored with his letter. Comments on his paper and revised it. Hopes to be in town on Thursday. Believes [Stephen] Lee has the last number of Annales de chimie.
Sending specimens of living 'Salix borreri', collected by [William] Borrer in Bredalbane, [Perthshire]. Invites Smiths to stay at Hale End, so they can attend Linnean Society [anniversary meeting] together. Received paper from [Henry Thomas] Colebrooke [(1765-1837), botanist] on the Quinary divisions, unsure if he was serious or hoaxing them. Concerned that the Society will never be able to accomplish rotation of chair by the vice-presidents.
[Smith noted his reply in corner of verso of first folio]: replied by telegraph will be with Forster on 1 May.
Pleased Smith will be coming on 1 May, arrangements for the visit. Sorry the box was not sent before 'Salix borreriana' spoiled.
Continues account of the vegetation of Corfu. Has only explored the environs of the city, but told of "extraordinary" plants in the remoter parts of the island by director of the botanic gardens, including: 'Echium giganteum'; 'Othonna pectinata' and another 'Othonna'; 'Osteospermum piliferum' and 'Osteospermum moniliferum'; 'Nolana prostrata'; 'Chrysocoma coma-aurea'; and a yellow climber, either 'Dolichos' or 'Crotalaria'.
His discoveries: characters of two new 'Euphorbia' resembling 'Euphorbia peplus' and 'Euphorbia exigua'; and found a large white-flowered 'Lithospermum'; 'Stachys spinulosa ?' with white flowers; 'Veronica syriaca'; 'Phleum felinum ?'; 'Convolvulus tenissimus'; 'Crambe corvini' (not in "Prodromus [Florae Graecae]"); 'Lotus tetragonolobus'; 'Lathyrus setifolius'; 'Bunias erucago'; 'Ornithopus scorpioides'; 'Andropogon distachyon'; 'Aristolochia rotunda'; 'Allium subhirsutum'; 'Urospermum picroides'; 'Hesperis verna'; 'Rhagadiolus stellatus'; 'Polypodium leptophyllum ?'; 'Anthyllis tetraphylla'; 'Euphorbia amygdaloides', abundant (not in "Prodromus [Florae Graecae]"); a 'Geranium' with large flesh-coloured flowers; 'Vicca bithynica'; 'Coronilla securidaca'; etc. About to visit island of Santa Maura, the ancient Leucadia.
Apologises for not writing but he has been ill since Christmas with a swelling in his knees which prevented him from walking and a suppresion of urine. Recovering very slowly after treatment from [William George] Maton and [Thomas] Copeland [(1781-1855), surgeon].
Remarks on death of Bishop of Durham [Shute Barrington]: reread Smith's Dedication to him several times, his second wife [Jane Barrington] thinks it remarkable he underwent a lithotomy operation at thirteen years old. Will be in London for Horticultural Society and Linnean Club meetings.