Encloses a letter to be forwarded to Sven Lovén, asking for a specimen of a remarkable cirripede. Still anxious to receive JGF’s specimens.

To make his monograph on cirripedes complete, would appreciate a specimen of Alepas squalicola, which CD is sure is a new genus.

Asks if Mr Salt could arrange to invest up to £30,000 on his behalf.

Is having an astronomical clock constructed and would like his advice on the calculation of some of the movements. Gives a brief description of the clock.

Thanks for his letter regarding the proposed observatory. Points out some provisions he intends making for the observatory. Encloses extracts from letters favoring the scheme.

JDH writes to WJH, informing him that he & [Archibald] Campbell [AC] are prisoners of the Sikkim Rajah, but JDH does not fear for their safety. He describes their imprisonment & speculates as to the reasons for it. JDH has been copying out AC’s dispatches to Government & sends a copy of his journal for [Brian Houghton] Hodgson to forward to WJH. His friend Meepo remains loyal & will hopefully get this to Darjeeling so the military can bring about their release. JDH reassures WJH about his situation, & asks him to write to France Henslow & Aunt Palgrave. He has letters for Bentham, Berkeley & Darwin. He sympathises with AC’s wife. JDH asks if his Meconopsis have grown. He adds that Thomson will be at Darjeeling on the 20th.

Tells mother preparing for voyage to Rio Negro. We are first English to climb Monte Alegre. Explored remote cave, copied “curious writings on the rocks” inside. Indians dug up “water tortoise eggs” on river bank, which, with milk and farinha “made a very excellent meal.” Fired on “several immense alligators” in river. Have eaten alligator tail, parrot, and turtle. Met English botanist Richard Spruce here. Includes “enigma” riddle and a poem about “naked little children/with skins of every dye/Some black, some brown, some lighter/some white as you or I...a dozen such in family...Tis common in Brazil.