Can expect a visit from Jacques Babinet. Regarding the planet Neptune and its discovery.

Officers and Members of the Slough Mechanics Institute would like JH to become their president and also officiate at the laying of the stone of the new building later this month.

Regrets he cannot attend the meeting to lay the stone of the new lecture room, nor can he take an active part in the lectures due to an attack of influenza. Would like his name added to the ordinary members [of the Slough Mechanics Institute].

Sends copy of the rules of the Institute. At a Special General meeting JH was elected president. This is subject to JH's approval. Would like him to be present at the opening of the new Institute on the 25th of the next month.

Heard from George Bancroft that he was forwarding JH's book on the Southern Nebulae. Has not received it yet so presumes it must have been lost in transit. Sends some of his own astronomical papers for JH. Has made observations of Halley's Comet; gives details as he believes they are from a period for which JH lacks information.

Thanks for the account of the large meteor. Has not heard of its observation from anyone else. Has seen a remarkable solar phenomenon of which he encloses sketch and details. Intends building a larger observatory and taking a partner.

Sends a description of a large meteor he observed last night. Since his letter he has erected a meteorological observatory.

Thanks for the account of the thunderstorm. Comments on the phenomenon of the reversal of wind with a thunderstorm. Has been experimenting with wet and dry bulb thermometers. Also with the effect of electricity on the temperature of jars.

Thanks for the account of the lunar rainbow. Encloses account of Aurora Borealis. Has been residing at Bath and working with Henry Lawson. Observed a peculiar solar appearance on the 18th.

Please convey to the R.A.S. his thanks at the honor of being elected an Associate.

Urges WL to make public his observations of the seventh satellite of Saturn as Otto Struve is about to announce his observation of the same body.

Asks questions about how to proceed for the continuance of magnetic observations.

Is pleased to hear of the discovery of further satellites of Neptune.

Some question of Harvard University observer having observed the satellite [see JH's 1848-9-22] one day before WL.

Has been carrying out researches on the reflection of light. Would like JH to communicate his paper on this subject to the R.S.L.

Is grateful for JH's kind offer to look over his paper. Draws JH's attention to certain points. Thinks that the reasoning will please him.

Has heard no more news of his paper; shall he write to the R.S.L. for news? Comments on the claims of James MacCullagh for theories regarding light. Hopes to get something published by the London publishers so has written a paper on trigonometry, which he hopes JH will present to the R.S.L. Doubtless JH is aware that there is no general proof for John Napier's rules.

Has read G. B. Airy, James MacCullagh, and JH on light and several other minor writers. His own paper has been read at the R.S.L. Regarding the standard of teaching at Trinity College, Dublin. Intends to induce Parliament to set up a commission of the great scientific men of England.

Illness in the family has prevented him from acknowledging JH's splendid work, which arrived some weeks ago. Is grateful for JH's appreciation of TM's work. Wife has been very ill. C. F. H. Ludwig has died. H. G. W. Smith has said there must be a Botanic Garden at the Cape. New treaty regarding Kaffir land may increase the chance of peace.

Gives recent observations with the 46" achromatic. G. B. Airy has sent the elements of the recently discovered planets. Latest news of the Governor of the Cape and his diplomatic missions. Mrs. Maclear's sister has come out to visit them and her health and Mrs. Maclear's is improving. R. J. Jones has decided to keep Feldhausen in the family and not sell it.