Sending a number of W. J. Hooker's Icones in which he will find a figure of the little green orchis. Can find nothing like his Satyrium. Would he send the bulb trowel he left at the Herschels'.
Many thanks for the bulb; succeeded also in digging one up. Has collected a sackload of bulbs from Table Mountain and sends a few orchidae. Hopes the orobanche will not wither. The composite from JH's garden is Zinnia elegans, a Mexican plant.
JH's plant is a Serruria, a very large genus. Is not certain of the name of the little yellow bulb. Working on a glossary of botanical jargon and a Genera of S. African Plants. Hopes he will send him any odd looking plant when he goes out bulbing. Is working on the Compositae at the moment. Alphonse de Candolle has issued a beautiful arrangement of this difficult family.
Further regarding vegetable colors. Advises him to write to Mrs. Griffiths (Torquay) about algae.
Just going on board to bring back Lady Ryan (wife of Sir Edward?) and will then call to see him. The furniture will be landed immediately. Proposes to sail Saturday morning.
Gives an example of lunar observations. Considers this a more accurate measurement than that obtained by the chronometer.
Discovered a telescopic comet on the confines of Camelopardes [sic] and Cassiopeia. Sends observations.
Comments on his observations made that year in the Alps. Hopes to return again with more instruments.
Sends unpublished volume written at the request of HH's children. Experiments with soap bubbles. Heard that JH translated first canto of Dante's Inferno.
Has written privately to the Chancellor of the Exchequer enclosing JH's letter. Thinks this preferable to asking the question publicly. Will be spending Whitsun at Bedgebury.
Has written to Edward Sabine about the unauthorized use of JH's name on a B.A.A.S. petition for uniformity of weights and measures.
Is grateful that JH has allowed him to insert his opinion in the passages in his own work. Regrets the trouble he has been put to.
Would like to quote his authority in matters connected with the passages in the pyramids.
Returns his letter, which he finds so interesting he would like to call on him personally respecting it. Has written to Mr. Perning concerning the longitude and latitude of the pyramids. Has arranged to send vol. 1 of the great pyramid at Gizeh.
Has a work on Elementary Physics almost through the press; it is intended for the young. Hopes to construct an instrument to measure amount of chemical action in the solar rays. Would like JH to speak to a member of the Government about a position RH would like.
Was delighted to receive news of the birth of JH's son. Has been suffering from headache herself.
JH is being subtly chastised for missing a meeting that the Prince of Wales attended.
Has just received his note. Will consider JH's views in regard to the new road.
Astronomical matters.
Has read his article on the Musical Scales. Has been working at a theory regarding the scales based on laws derived from the Bible. Submitted it to Dr. [H. J.?] Gauntlett, who was impressed. Would like JH's opinion.