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.

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].

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

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.

Charles Few will send deed for JH's signature. It transfers property of CB's sister [Mary Anne Hollier] in Cardiff to Marquis of Bute [J. P. C. Stuart]. Expects no further changes in trust and no more troubles for JH. Saw Alexander Herschel's work on 'shooting stars' published by B.A.A.S. Illness of CB's son [Henry P. Babbage] in India. CB's latest book.

Please sign enclosed legal document and return to Messrs. 'Praed.' CB overworked, but hopes to complete Passages from the Life of a Philosopher before Christmas.

Annual visitation of Royal Observatory by Board of Visitors will be held 6 June.

Read of JH's intention to prepare general catalogue of nebulae. Encloses list of unpublished nebulae found at Harvard over past 15 years. Finds similarity in form but difference in theory between JH's equations for curve of object glasses ['On Aberrations of Compound Lenses and Object Glasses' (1821)] and those of K. A. Steinheil and C. F. Gauss. Asks about Josef Fraunhofer's theory.

Unpublished Harvard list contains nine nebulae published in [G. F. J. A.] Auwers's catalogue of novae, because those were first discovered at Harvard. Thanks JH for pointing out two others already published, which GB will exclude from list. Admits possibility of 'illusions' in some. Asks JH to compare results in C. F. Gauss's article on achromatic object glass. Sent copy of T. H. Safford's article on companion of Sirius.

Instructions for signing and returning deed [of conveyance for Woodlands property in Hollier Trust]. [JH annotation, 19 Aug. 1863: Received and executed deed. It was witnessed by JH's son William, now recently returned from Bengal and resident at Hawkhurst for next three years. Returned deed to Few & Stamford.]

Received deed of conveyance for Woodlands property, in Hollier Trust, executed by JH. Will advise JH when money has been received.

Sign enclosed authorization for Few & Co. to obtain Hollier Trust deeds from bank. Deeds will be exchanged for £1000.

Submits WH's ideas on moon's influence on weather. JH's son Alexander owes WH a letter.

Received JH's translation, which is better than any blank verse can do. Invites JH to visit Lyells.