In response to CD’s letter [see 1364] the Secretary is instructed to request that he send a specimen plate to James de Carle Sowerby for estimate of cost.

CD likes the engravings [for Fossil Cirripedia (Lepadidae)] but is distressed by JdeCS’s slow progress and is being pressed by owners to return their specimens.

Describes progress in illustrating fossil cirripede specimens by J. de C. Sowerby.

Thanks AS for a copy of his book, Discourse [on the studies of the University, 5th ed.].

Thinking of not sending his eldest son [William] to a classical school.

Thanks SC for box of specimens [of cirripedes].

Often wishes he had settled in one of the colonies because of opportunities for his children.

Falconer’s misbehaviour.

Geology of Khashia [Khasi] mountains. Speculations on mountain building and origin of Himalayas.

Inquires about financial matters.

Discusses share dealings and investment matters.

Discusses his account. Mentions reduction in rent due to agricultural conditions.

Describes progress of J. de C. Sowerby in engraving fossil cirripede specimens.

Asks his opinion concerning possible investment. Asks about possible land sale to Mr Mason.

Discusses capacity of some cirripedes to bore into rock. Describes progress of his research.

Two letters have arrived for WED.

Joseph has had two teeth out.

Thanks JWF and G. R. Waterhouse for cirripede specimens.

Gives his opinion that the larval antennae in Lepas correspond with the inferior antennae, the superior not present, as in most Daphnidae. [See 1381.]

Discusses attachment of antennae in larvae of cirripedes.

Asks for information about how parasitic cirripedes are attached to host.

Requests permission to include foreign species in Fossil Cirrpedia (1851). Asks whether sponges arrived. Has not yet heard from Pearce about Pollicipes concinus.

Sends thanks for a note and returned drawing.

He is sending more text.

Charles Darwin [CD] has not been absent from JDH's thoughts during the long break in their correspondence. He probably spoke too strongly about CD's species work & barnacles. speculates that CD was once prone to theoretical considerations about species & unaware of certain difficulties which JDH thought a more intimate acquaintance with species might clear up. Hence was pleased CD took up a difficult group like barnacles. CD's theories have progressed but JDH is not converted. He thought the transitions from one form to another in Sikkim would be more apparent. CD reasons rightly about JDH's Yangma valley; it is undoubtedly a vast moraine. He rejects the Himalayas as an independent chain of mountains & seeks the axis of the great mountain system between the Yarou river & the plains of India. He considers the glaciers of the Himalayan range unrivalled & is convinced they are receding. Explains that it is a double chain likes CD's Andes. [Thomas] Thomson [TT] & [Hugh] Falconer [HF] both regard the greatest Asiatic axis as a sub meridional one. The whole mountain system is incredibly complicated & he exceedingly doubt's Humboldt's system of six Mountain chains. Letter continues under date of 7 Apr. JDH now with HF at Honorable East India Company Botanic Gardens. HF had kept all his letters & overland parcels for five months due to insane procrastination but is now forgiven. HF's society is as ever delightful. HF no longer associates with the Asiatic Society. JDH received CD's Feb letter today & learned that the cold water system has done him much good but is not a cure, JDH sends congratulations on the Darwins' seventh child. JDH came to Calcutta [Kolkata] to persuade Jung Bahadur [JB] to let him travel in Nepal but JB cannot guarantee his safety while absent in England. JDH will therefore go instead to Sylhet then the Khassya [Khasia] Hills & Munnipore [Manipur] with [TT].

No summary available.