Looks forward to the paper on CD’s edible fungus specimen from Tierra del Fuego [read 16 Mar 1841; Trans. Linn. Soc. Lond. 19 (1845): 37–43].

Sends a correction: Fagus betuloides, not F. antarctica, is the common tree of Tierra del Fuego.

Discusses the role of ice in determining the geological features of the Jura. Mentions view of Agassiz. Objects to idea of "a [sea of ice] carrying rocks". Notes Agassiz’s earlier view of "ice expanded in the line of the Great Swiss Valley". Comments on Pentlands.

Has enjoyed reading LA’s book [Études sur les glaciers (1840)].

Hopes LA will pardon manner in which CD has alluded to his work on glaciers in his Journal of researches, of which he sends a copy.

Defends his theory [in "Parallel roads of Glen Roy" (1839), Collected papers 1: 87–137] against the view that the "roads" were formed by glacial action.

Discusses at length Louis Agassiz’s book [Études sur les glaciers (1840)] and Agassiz’s explanation of moraines. Defends his own theory of the importance of floating ice. Relates glacier theory to his own interpretation of Glen Roy.

Mentions a paper he is writing on South American boulders and till [Collected papers 1: 145–63].

The Smith, Elder & Co. account for the now published fifth number of the third part of the Zoology is presented.

LJ has had a letter from R. T. Lowe in Madeira who thinks Scorpaena histrio, a species from Galapagos described in no. 1 [of Fish], is the same as the one in the Atlantic and Mediterranean. LJ does not think it is possible.

No summary available.

Has just received the enclosed communication from Sir Hilgrove Turner, lately Governor of Bermuda. Believes JH is the only person who can deal with it.

Her brother has sent JH's letter and she will be only too pleased to send her poems for whatever purpose he requires them.

Has been confined to the house and only goes out in a wheelchair. Would JH like the bust of Sir Joseph Banks?

Came back from Zwartland for a day, but returns tomorrow. Relates news of the measuring of the base line. Visited magnetic observatory; work in Zwartland not yet complete. Magnetic Observatory satisfactory despite slow construction. No news of the obelisk yet.

Is grateful for JH's obliging offer. Regrets his own unfortunate article regarding JH's experiments; comments on this. Is pleased JH is to continue with his on light.

Is about to leave Paris and hopes to receive the meteorological information at Naples. Awaits with impatience JH's work on the rays of light announced in his last letter.

Announces his invention of the 'calotype', and his application for a patent. Questions JH on his address to R.A.S., objecting to idea that universe is infinite.

Preparing his calotype paper for publication. Looking for a summer house, somewhere interesting to photograph.

Magnetic observatory is still not operational one year after FW's arrival. Thomas Maclear is now in 'Zwartsland' [Zwartkops?]. FW shares quarters with C. P. Smyth and William Mann. Hopes to begin observations next week at Cape Town and Simon's Bay; G. G. Lewis will make observations at Grahamstown. Problems with meteorological instruments. Proposes magnetic survey of entire colony. [JH annotation: Enquire what FW meant about measurement conversions, malfunctioning needle, and broken tube in 19 Feb. 1841 letter to Humphrey Lloyd.]

A note to accompany additions, comments, and emendations relating to the report of the Standards Commission.

Thinks enclosed letter should be appended to [James] Farquharson's report on aurora. Wants to bring magnetometer to Alford. Hopes JH has [Humphrey] Lloyd's article regarding instruments.

Discusses proposed temperature experiments involving balloons. Prince Edward Island would be good observatory but funds are lacking. [C. F.] Gauss's article translated for Scientific Memoirs.