Orders John Pye Smith’s book [Relations between the Holy Scriptures and some parts of geological science (1839)].

Goes on the assumption that each species has one origin, is immutable, and migrates.

Disagrees with Gaudichaud[-Beaupré] that volcanic island species are polymorphous.

Some mundane genera vary, others do not (Senecio vs Gnaphalium).

John Lindley’s doctrine of longevity of trees is amazing.

Edward Forbes’s health is better.

Will come to visit Kew if Claude Gay speaks English. Otherwise would prefer to wait until spring.

Gives his opinion on the tropical character of fossil shells listed by CD. The shells of Navidad [Chile] are not particularly tropical.

Will visit JDH in spring.

Will JDH ask Gay what birds, reptiles, or mammifers inhabit Juan Fernández [Island]?

Has JDH seen William Herbert’s paper ["Local habitation and wants of plants", J. Hortic. Soc. Lond. 1 (1846): 44–9]?

Thinks JDH’s explanation of polymorphism on volcanic islands is probably correct.

Proposes experimental test to see whether alpine form of a plant is inherited like a true variety.

Has had to make a Post Office order to JDH payable at Charing Cross instead of Kew.

Does Sir William [Hooker] know the Dean of Manchester’s London address?

Thanks for note on Atlantic dust.

Suggested in private to Edward Forbes that bird migration might follow lines of now sunken land.

Has admired WT’s work for years.

Will some day publish on variation.

Glad to hear of JDH’s botanical appointment [with Geological Survey].

Edward Forbes has written about his subsidence doctrine; CD objects to its hypothetical base.

Answers CD’s objections with botanical and geological arguments supporting the existence of an ancient post-Miocene land extending over what is now the Mediterranean and past the Azores in the Atlantic [EF’s "Atlantis" theory in "On the connexion between the distribution of the existing fauna and flora of the British Isles and the geological changes which have affected their area", Mem. Geol. Surv. G. B. 1 (1846): 336–432].

Sends enclosure for JDH to read [letter from E. Forbes, 956]. "I cannot see my way about his post-miocene land."

No summary available.

Sent him a paper on differential equations about a month ago and wonders if it has gone astray as he has heard nothing from JH.

Regrets any inconvenience he has caused but is grateful for JH's act and offer to communicate his paper to the R.S.L.

Wishes he had seen JH's paper before submitting his own; then he could have rectified his errors. Has been carrying out some electrical experiments. Sent abstract to Michael Faraday, who does not understand them. Would be pleased to send JH further scientific communications.

Is obliged for his notice of the separation of Biela's comet; has sent extracts to H. C. Schumacher. Sends some observations made that evening. [Francesco] de Vico announces a new comet; so far he has been unable to trace it.

Thinks it a good idea to send a memo to the Colonial Office on the question of a Cape botanical garden. Has consulted W. H. Harvey on the question. What a curious plant is found on the coasts of Africa.

Truly grateful to hear such a good report of JH's health. Should continue the medicine. Hopes to avail himself of JH's kindness when he has leisure.

Has JH any comments on the first volume of JM's Logic, which the publisher wishes to prepare for a second edition.

Thanks for his remarks, which will be attended to. Comments on the various alterations he will make in line with JH's criticisms.