JDH is en route to 'the snows'. A fragrant Artemisia sp. is common though atypical for the climate. Before leaving Darjeeling JDH sent RBG Kew: seeds, Sikkim, Bhotean & Thibethan cloth, tree fern sections, Amadou string , brick tea, a bamboo fishing basket of the Sikkim Mechis of the Terai, Lepcha & Thibetan weapons, flutes, Caryota cotton, Chinese tea called 'Dut-hang' , Bhotea cups, an elephant motif comb used by Ghorkhas [Gurkhas], red paste for marking caste, a letter from the Durmah Rajah on Daphne paper wrapped in silk, 'mech' cloth, a woollen 'do', a Mountain Armadillo cap, a flageolet, a hookah, shields & knives. He has also sent plants of Rhododendron dalhousiae, R. argentums, R. falconeri, Magnolia, Helmingia & Orchideae, to be forwarded through Mr Macrae. JDH had letters about [George] Gardener's death & his collections from Dr Fleming of the army in Ceylon [Sri Lanka] & from Wight. Clamanze has arrived with JDH's collections at the Calcutta Botanic Gardens, where Falconer is expected. JDH discusses the uncertain route of his Sikkim expedition & if he will be hindered by the Rajah & the Lasso Kaji: the lately rejected Vakeel, who could stop JDH crossing the Teesta. JDH's party comprises soldiers, [Brian Houghton] Hodgson's shooters, Lepchas, Sikkim Bhoteas. [Archibald] Campbell came as far as the Great Rungeet. JDH discusses his new servant's faults & the hospitable Cathcart. The ship 'Malabar' bringing Adye's instruments has reached Calcutta [Kolkata]. JDH mentions Captain Mac Luckie's account of a sea serpent in the ILLUSTRATED LONDON NEWS, identified by Prof Owen as a seal. Discusses some barley, the health of Thomas Thomson, & Wallich & McLeland's quarrels reported by Dr O'Shaugnessy. Further up the mountain JDH has collected: a yellow Cymbidium; a funny tree resembling 'Putraajira', which he will identify using Endlicher's book; & Wallichia. This letter will be taken to Dajeeling by Tcheba Lama. The Rajah has sent Hooker his old guide Meepo.