Completing the catalogue of 2500 nebulae. Impressed with a French biography of William Herschel, although CH notes a few occasions where 'too great a stress is laid on the assistance of others.'

Thanking him for his friendly reception when in Italy. Is sending GA journals and pamphlets likely to be of interest to him. Regarding various papers on the electrization of mercury. Please send details of Giuseppe Bianchi's barometer.

Is sorry he will be unable to see him. Is sending copies of their paper for distribution.

Will receive 1827 Astronomical Yearbook through Mr. Hunnemann. Would be glad if he could hurry up the Parramatta Observations from K. L. C. Rümker. Various queries regarding publications.

Notes and comparisons for their recent observations of stars. Was interested in the account of Henry Kater's collimator and hopes it will be adapted for Greenwich.

News since he left Palermo. Comments on the pamphlet NC recently sent him. Has to inform him that he has been elected an Associate of the Astronomical Society.

Encloses paper sent by Mr. Perkins for R.S.L, and impression just received from printer.

JF was elected associate of Astronomical Society. Will send Society's Transactions and JH's 'Absorption of Light.' W. H. F. Talbot delivered JF's 'Crown glass Prism.' JH presented J. G. Soldner's observations to Society and proposed Soldner as associate.

Has examined Edward Sabine's transit measurements; finds them unproblematic.

Has represented JS's interests as best JH can regarding JS's proposal. Describes himself as unskillful in such representations.

Defends Edward Sabine's transit observations, noting that JH supports them on practical rather than theoretical grounds.

Query regarding the diagrams in one of JH's articles in R.S.P.T. Has purchased one of the compound lenses on JH's recommendation, and relates some experiments with it. Would be pleased for JH to call at his house.

Is grateful for his letter and also for the brochure. Sees the folly of his own impatience. Regarding object glasses of telescopes.

Deserves explusion from Linnean Society from his neglect of it; unsure whether it noticed his memorandum on red viper or if [Thomas] Rackett received his letter on it. Seriously ill for last three years with low nervous disorder which leaves him uninterested in anything, thinks the complaint unusual and lists symptoms: barely able to stand though appetite and digestion good, pulse strong, gaining weight, looks as well as 10 years ago and memory nor judgment failing yet. Has beautiful plants of 'Chrysanthemum indium' like the figures in "Hort Trans" and very successful with "Arach pear".

He has been very ill for the last 9 months. Thanks for turkey; pleased to hear the Smiths will visit in the spring. The 'Vicia' Smith mentioned is [John] Sibthorp's 'V. angustifolia', not the 'V. lathyroides' of [William] Hudson; will write further on the 'Cnicus', it grows near Tunbridge Wells, [Kent]. Recommends [Robert] Brown as first choice or [James] Bicheno as second for Linnean Society Secretaryship, or [Edward] Barnard.

Thanks for turkey. Prefers [James] Bicheno's appointment as Linnean Society secretary, as [Robert] Brown has "an invincible objection to reading aloud in public", and additionally if Brown is chose the Society will be "thrown into the lap" of the Horticultural Society, which he strongly opposes.

Thanks for Smith's letter of 20 December [1824], they had heard alarming reports of Smith's health. He has accepted the post of Colonial Secretary in New South Wales, [Australia], intends to embark at the end of April; conflicted about the posting but was offered the post in a "very handsome and flattering manner". Suggests [Robert] Brown to replace him as Linnean Society Secretary, though Smith will have to convince him to accept, otherwise suggests [Edward] Barnard. Recommends that [David] Don [(1799-1841), botanist] be removed [as Society Clerk], his "pride and self conceit are really intolerable".

Thanks Smith for writing to [Robert] Brown [about his taking post of Linnean Society Secretary]; disappointed Smith has not remarked on his decision to leave for New South Wales, [Australia], at the end of April, more hurt after the Bishop [of Carlisle, Samuel Goodenough] repeated several times that it would be "far beneath" Brown to take such a position. Three vacancies on FMLS list.

Reassures Macleay he is not "indifferent" to the "sad event" of his departure [to New South Wales, Australia]; he feels the strongest regret. Delayed replying to Macleay's news until he had heard from [Robert] Brown but still waiting; thinks it not suited to his "retired manners" but if he undertakes it "with heart & good will" he would be the best candidate, and would not have asked him if he did not think it did Brown honour, the Bishop [of Carlisle, Samuel Goodenough] "sometimes singular in ideas".

Third volume of his "English Flora" must be finished before he comes to London, which keeps him very busy; his "correspond[en]ts have no mercy". Feels the loss of a "real friend" in Macleay.

Only recently received Yates' letter of 10 March [1824]; his ill health last summer and almost total interruption of his literary labours and correspondence have kept him in state of estrangement from many friends, and now he is recovered his work on "English Flora" takes all his time, he "cannot write books and letters too". Explains delay in receiving Yates' letter, caused by it getting caught up in his niece Martin's "drapery". Recollections of Yates' new area of residence in Birmingham.

His illness prevented him from going to London at all in 1824, having never missed a year before. Intends to go to London in April this year, hopes to see Yates' and Mrs James Yates there. Approves of [William] Roscoe's work [see RelatedMaterial below], hopes he can go on with it. Asks after his Birmingham friends the Corries and Dr Johnstone.