Describes in detail many of the plants at the Cape, especially flowering and variously scented ones.

Includes temperature readings for waters near the Cape. Sends 'Thomson's Lunar Tables' and [Thomas] 'Lynn's Horary Tables.' Servant's health is failing. May have to send her home immediately.

Discusses contribution of WS's son, C. P. Smyth, as Thomas Maclear's assistant. Discusses observations of Halley's Comet, Gamma Virginis, other celestial objects, and the use of a double image micrometer.

Reports that they are 'safely landed and comfortably housed' in Africa. The Herschels were at sea for nine weeks and two days. Required several days to unload the instruments and luggage from the ship. Has chosen a house, about five miles from town, called 'The Grove.' Excited with the calm, clear nights, which will be excellent for observations.

Sweeping progressing quickly; has used the 20-ft. reflecting telescope since February. Discovered two planetary nebulae. Studying Scorpio closely, as CH suggested; has found gorgeous globular clusters there. The equatorial was erected recently.

Oppressive heat prevents JH from visiting. Sending a list of furniture from Major John Ross's house, which JH definitely will purchase.

Saw a 'small round perfectly defined body' last night that looks like a planet.

Found a 'very fine' planetary nebula. Unable to learn anything conclusive from TM's microscope readings. JH's observation tower is erected and is currently being plastered.

Happy that TM is handling his facial paralysis so well; JH believes that it is due primarily to anxiety and overwork.

Gives location of a planetary nebula.

Predicting poor weather, JH advises TM not to go to the Grove tomorrow.

Invites TM to a meeting of the Meteorological Committee, which James Adamson, Abraham Cloete, and James Bance hope to attend.

Wants to learn more about JH's book-keeping system.

Thanks JH for reading Andrew Smith's letter.

Reviews his voyage to Africa in case CH did not receive JH's 1834-1-21 letter. Repairing the house that they bought outside of Cape Town, called 'Feldhausen' by the Dutch and 'The Grove' by the English; they are staying at another home close by. Happy that Table Mountain near the house shelters Feldhausen from southeast gales.

Describes voyage to Cape as being uneventful. 20-ft. reflector operating since late February; has already examined much of the southern sky. Believes the Milky Way is not equidistant from the earth at all points; and that the earth is between Canopus and Alpha Centauri. Amazed at clusters such as Omega Centauri. Describes richness of Magellanic Clouds. Details progress in erecting instruments. Sends observations of Alpha Crucis, which he believes is a double star.

Is settled near Cape Town. Experiences on the voyage. Details of his telescope arrangements, and observations carried out.

Regarding CB's machine. Edward Ryan's visit. Events at the Cape. Failure of his astronomical observations due to cloud conditions. Has been trying to stir up the South African Philosophical Society. Recent South African expedition.

Thanks for the Stellenbosch diaries, which will no doubt be useful. Comments on the prospects for water supply for Cape Town.

Has arrived safely and unpacked his instruments. Has seen a suitable house for his observatory. Difficulty with the female servant brought from England. Has met Thomas Maclear. Difficulties of the latter.