Alerts JSH to boxes of specimens and letter of 30 Oct on the way by wagon.
Thomas Bell has expressed interest in CD’s Crustacea and reptiles.
CD’s ignorance about his botanical specimens embarrasses him.
Asks whether JSH is disappointed with Galapagos plants.
All his affairs are most prosperous. Has found many who will undertake description of animals; he will work at the geology. Lyell has been most friendly and kind.
CD has been proposed to the Geological Society.
Arranges to meet CW for conversation.
His fossil bones are unpacked and some are great treasures. He has some geology to do: R. I. Murchison has lent him a map and asked him to look at a part of the country he has been describing.
Their only protection against having Harriet Martineau as sister-in-law is that she works Erasmus too hard.
Describes CD’s visit to Maer on his return from Beagle voyage.
Welcomes CD; has tried to find him. May see him in Cambridge. Reminisces about CD’s musical taste and memory. Describes Charles Whitley’s wedding and wife. Mentions friends.
Tells of the pleasure that CD’s visit gave the family.
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Outlines the election of J. D. Forbes and attributes his success to JH's letter. Regarding the work of Thomas Henderson. Pity JH has to waste time doing his own reductions. Paris observations. Saw the comet in Valparaiso. Magnitude of stars compared to the moon. Hopes he liked his own recent book. Pleased the sextant is of use.
Pleased to hear that all is progressing well with JH. Regrets the discordance in the Parramatta Right Ascensions. Observed an occultation of Gamma Virginis in April. Has seen the method of determining the nadir point of a circle. Cape reductions suffered a setback last season as he had to lecture on mathematics.
Is pleased JH takes an interest in the natives. Comments on the necessity of promoting the welfare of the native races. Hopes to found an International Society for providing assistance and advice to foreigners.
Some geological samples have been lost on the way to England; JH comments on his ideas of the effect of the earth's hot core on the construction of the earth's crust.
Comments about AD's work in mathematical functions, and then refers to JH's reductions and other astronomical matters, including the need for reform of stellar nomenclature.
Sends meteorological observations for September. Has ceased making a charge at the observatory for the checking of chronometers. Has lost income but gained work. Comments on the effects of gravity on the balance wheel of a chronometer.
Cornerstone and tree answer admirably. Gives the points in the present triangulation. Lieut. John Williams of the Engineers has promised assistance. There is a French frigate in the harbor, which he intends to visit.
Sends C. P. Smyth with the observing lists of JH's zero stars. Comments on these lists. Would like to see the Cedar Mountains, but cannot spare the time at present. Wished to visit Riebeck's Castle to verify one of N. L. Lacaille's remarks. Did not notice any air bubbles in JH's barometer. The Observatory barometer is similar to the one of Sir John Franklin. Goes to the Block House tomorrow to commence the triangulation.