Regrets that JH's engagements prevent them visiting Penshurst. JN too is unable to manage the dates quoted. Hopes his own Herschelian helioscope will be in action by the time the Herschels visit Penshurst.

Grateful for letters and enclosures. Has been ill himself, but is pleased to hear those at Collingwood are well. Hopes the prospect of Alexander [Herschel]'s appointment will be realized.

Will call on W. Bonsey on his way to Devon and may be able to give a valuation of the house and grounds at Slough.

Regrets that the weather has delayed his reply. Has now been able to get W. Bonsey's opinion on the valuation of JH's property at Slough; comments on this. Building land not much in demand at present.

Have made several of JH's actinometers but have always experienced difficulty with the fluid, ammonia sulphate of copper. Can some other fluid be used? They are now making two actinometers for a foreign observatory and would like to make them as accurate as possible.

Informing JH that TN's father died this morning.

Sends a portion of JH's lecture for the Leeds Astronomical Society, which has just been received from the printer. PO's wife's health is improving and JH's grandchildren are flourishing.

Expresses thanks for receipt of photographs of JH.

JH received and will insert HA's list of nebulae into JH's catalogue. Progress of catalogue. Wishes JH had earlier knowledge of [G. F. J. A.] Auwer's reduction of William Herschel's nebulae, which JH just received.

Received four issues of GQ's Moniteur Scientifique. Saw mention in No. 163 of JH's proposed modification to British system of weights and measures. JH's paper on this topic is now before Astronomical Society of Leeds.

Official receipt for copy of JH's The Telescope (1861) by library at Smithsonian Institution.

Notice of annual election of R.S.L. council and officers on 30 Nov. 1863.

Reminds JH that the Public School Commissioners are still awaiting JH's response to the invitation to comment on the direction of education [see ET's 1862-11-13].

In response to the request [see Edward Twisleton's 1863-4-10] to comment on mathematics and physical science education for the Public School Commissioners, JH urges that more teaching be done in these areas.

Thanks for help in Mrs. Baldwin's affairs. JH's family's health is improving. Major house repairs in progress.

Family eagerly awaits WJH's return home after ten years in India. JH is visiting cousins in Halton. Locations of WJH's brothers and sisters. If possible, stop in Malta and visit William Lassell's equatorial reflector. Alexander Herschel will lecture on meteors at Royal Institution.

[Printed notice] Literary and Philosophical Society will meet on 29 Dec.

Has seen colored fringes on clouds described, and explained, in a journal. Does GA accept the explanation?

Talks about variations in climate, glaciers, and compares climates of various historical periods. JR is writing about such matters in a second edition of one of his works.

Apologizes for JH's further troubles with trust fund for CB's sister [Mary Anne Hollier], whose three sons are selling off their inheritances. Solicitor Charles Few will take care of legal issues. Not likely that JH can resign as trustee.