On ED’s planned edition [German] of CD’s Journal of researches.

Informs him of his forthcoming volume, Volcanic islands.

"I am well acquainted with your paper on Chatham Island ["An account of the Chatham Islands", J. R. Geogr. Soc. 11: 195–215], & … those passages on the very curious fact of the apparent specific differences of the birds there & at New Zealand".

Thanks ED for recognition of his "small labours in Natural History… . praise from men, like yourself, is the only, though quite sufficient, reward I ever expect or wish to obtain for my works. – I have lately had the extreme satisfaction of hearing that Hooker speaks highly of the accuracy … of my statements". Refers to Humboldt and Owen.

Describes germination of seeds found in sand-pit and the geological setting of the sand-pit.

Postulates existence of ancient lake along the course of the River Tweed. Notes evidence of glaciation.