Finds Francis Beaufort has forwarded his note to Slough. Reminds him that honorary members of the Literary Society are not resident in London.

Congratulations on his return. Sends some papers on the equilibrium of fluids on which he would like JH's opinion.

Would be obliged for the return of the papers when he has perused them.

Has been reading JH's volume on astronomy in the Cabinet Cyclopaedia and would like the answers to a few queries that have arisen. Is interested in double stars and would like a suitable telescope in which to observe them successfully. Gives description of his present telescope.

Enquiring about some magnetical observations. Sends a memoir of his own work on magnetism.

Is grateful for the flowers. The Satyriums are most interesting. Comments on the variations in this species.

Exhibited JH's gift of the Satyriums at the meeting of the Horticultural Society and he has been awarded the Banksian medal. To whom shall the medal be ascribed? Any further information on the orchidaceae would be very welcome.

Sends the silver Banksian medal for JH's exhibit of 16 Oct.

Would have liked to have welcomed JH on his return from the Cape, but academic duties prevented it. Royal Irish Academy progresses under W. R. Hamilton's presidency. His late father established a magnetic observatory at Dublin and HL is in charge.

Rejoices that JH is in favor of a South Polar expedition. Three years since a memorandum was presented to the government and thinks the B.A.A.S. should now present a further memo. Hopes JH will give it his support.

Agrees on the general plan for the expedition with the views of Edward Sabine. Gives some of his own comments for magnetic observations.

Has been considering with Edward Sabine that morning the requirements for the fixed observatories. Gives lists and also estimate of finances required for a three-year period.

Illness forces him to make a quick return home. Agrees with JH that scientific men should act unanimously when approaching government. Thinks the R.S.L. should go along with the B.A.A.S. as well. Hoped to consult G. B. Airy. Will see Edward Sabine to draw up the memorial.

C. P. Smyth will deliver the micrometer series JH lent him for examining the values of the transit level scale; comments on this. Had another peep at the stars JH mentioned and still finds Argus larger than Rigel. The tent fills Mrs. De Witt's yard. She is a friend and correspondent of Charles Grant (Baron Glenelg).

The zenith sector seems to perform very well, and he is now ready to move it to the stations. Has been troubled with cloudy weather. C. P. Smyth is working the mural circle on the stars. Thomas Jones has not prepared the diagonal scale promised by Francis Baily. Has not been well lately. No news from England except that Admiral George Elliott has permission from the Admiralty to settle the land question. Encloses a catalogue of Zenith stars.

Will not be time to take the zenith sector to Klypfonteyn before JH's departure. Must finish work with the pendulum as it has to be returned to Francis Baily via JH. Will ride over on Sunday morning.

Sends report on [N. L.] Lacaille's Observatory Stations. Tells of expeditions to Klipfontein. Lack of observing due to absence at Cape. Mural circle must be corrected or replaced. Needs an equatorial telescope. Agrees theodolite telescope would be useful.

Mr. Borcherd's son, who is contemplating work in the educational field in South Africa, would like to call on JH to obtain his advice. Question of the land about the Observatory has been settled. Has had a copy of G. B. Amici's paper on a prismatic reflecting circle; comments on this.

Intended calling on JH today but legs and feet were too swollen. Has postponed his journey to Klypfonteyn until the first week in March, to make some alterations to the instrument. Is glad JH will visit the mountains with him. Believes the Thalia is about to sail soon. Formalhoet is now useless at noon.

Thanks for information in his letter. Agrees with JH about the variability of Hydra. Argus is returning to its original brightness. The zenith sector is down and in parts and hopes to get it re-erected on Friday. Results at the Observatory are very good.