Returns notes on mule yaks [see Natural selection, p. 438]

and sends queries on silkworms.

A bed is ready any time HF will come.

Thanks WBC for offer to examine specimen and for offer of slices of shells, but has no achromatic microscope.

Instructions for JDH’s trip to Down.

Change in train times.

Asks WBC if he will examine a specimen of calcareous rock.

[Notes on conversations with J. D. Hooker.] Geographical distribution; diffusion and distribution of species. Island and mountain floras; means of migration (high-roads, icebergs).

Thanks for pleasant stay at Down.

Remarks on boulders found on southern islands.

Describes the alpine character of the Andes flora and relays information on other mountain floras.

Quotes instances of seeds that retained their vitality after being carried by ocean currents.

Sends notes on the comparative floras of New Zealand, Australia, and west coast of South America.

Encloses a copy of part of a letter from George Gardner in Ceylon concerning the European character of the mountain flora.

Thanks for botanico-geographical remarks. CD greatly appreciates JDH’s valuable generalisations.

Tells of his father’s ill health.

Discusses mesmerism and Harriet Martineau’s recovery. If animals could be put into a stupor, he would be convinced. Suggests WDF have some mesmeriser attempt it with cats.

Discusses microscopic examination of rock specimens taken from Pampas deposit and from Chilean tuff. Says he finds organic remains only in the tuff.

Questions on JDH’s sketch comparing floras of Australia, New Zealand, and western S. America; wishes to know botanical relations between other southern islands. Botanico-geographical discussions and comments on books sent by JDH.

Is obliged for the account of the structure of the Pampas specimen and its difference from specimens of the modern calcareous bed of Coquimbo in Chile. If he thinks that J. S. Bowerbank can make out the nature of the specimens, they should be shown to him.

Thanks for CD’s comments on "sketch".

Lengthy discussion of geographical distribution and island floras.

Has been "delighted with" [Robert Chambers’] Vestiges [of creation (1844)].

Galapagos flora work goes on well.

Received the enclosed silver plate on which is an impression made by the moon; has he any comments. Has been experimenting with solution of bichromate of potash and sulphate of copper exposed to actinic influence. Has been giving his attention to ferrotypes recently.

Has forwarded some of the late Professor Thomas Henderson's manuscripts to JH. An application may be made to the Government for a pension for the daughter. The books are to be sold and he will send a catalogue.

Wonders if JH could be persuaded to write a series of articles on meteorology for the Gardeners' Chronicle. If unable, could he suggest a suitable substitute?

Magnetic questions have been sent to foreign observers but not the British. Why?

J. F. Daniell informs JL that the table was calculated by William Galbraith. James Apjohn states everyone is in agreement that the absolute heat of steam is constant, but JL disagrees. Intends raising the matter of John Southern's experiments at the next meeting of the B.A.A.S.

Obliged by JH's letter. Would he let him know what he thinks of raising the matter of repeating John Southern's experiments. His own eldest son has gone to Langley; he shows little aptitude for figures but a decided turn for Natural History.

A copy of the question circular, signed by JH, sent to GA [see GA's 1844-12-17].