The third and last part of the Geology [South America] will be published in a few days. Apologises for not sending JSH the other volumes.

Has attended Southampton [BAAS] meeting.

Thanks JSH for his address [Address delivered in the Ipswich Museum on 9th March 1848]. Questions a sentence which implies that only the practical use of a scientific discovery makes it worth while. The instinct for truth justifies science without any practical results. Cites his work on cirripedes.

Criticises lecturing system in education and emphasis on classics. Has forgotten all his classical knowledge.

Asks JSH’s help in naming cirripedes, on which he is working. Believes he has made "some very curious points".

Expects a sixth child [Francis] in August.

Describes cold water cure he has been taking for two months at J. M. Gully’s establishment.

Plans to go to BAAS meeting at Birmingham if health improves.

Describes the Birmingham meeting [1849] of BAAS.

His health is poor. Continues with water-cure with considerable benefit.

Has had his portrait taken;

is anxious about scarlet fever among his children.

Thanks JSH for information and suggestions on benefit clubs,

and for a shipment of fossil cirripedes.

J. B. Innes is greatly obliged for JSH’s letter. JSH’s observation of chalk flints strikes CD as "very curious".

Sends specimens from Indian Ocean atolls.

Describes an orange tree with curious "horned" fruit; sends specimen. Asks if the horns represent "metamorphoses of some organ into the fruit orange".

Would like further experimentation to confirm report about germination of wheat from Egyptian tombs. Sir G. Wilkinson may have been deceived by the Arabs.

Reports on abortive anthers in flowers of thyme sent by CD.

Reports observations on the behaviour of captive harvest mouse and dormouse. When descending sticks mouse uses its tail like a prehensile-tailed monkey.

CD relates that Robert Brown is anxious to have [C. M.] Leman[n] elected librarian of the Linnean Society and urges JSH to come to vote for him. CD joins in the request.

CD gives JSH Fuegian paints and spears and a Pacific dolphin hook for his museum.

Comments on JSH’s botanical work with his parishioners. Lyell will be pleased that he has done some fossil botanical work.

Describes a Geological Society meeting about Edward Charlesworth’s complaints.

Calls CD’s attention to an article about William Herbert’s hybrid Narcissus.

Tells how W. Kemp found the seeds of Atriplex, which Lindley sent to JSH for identification.

Asks about monstrous plant mentioned by Lindley [see 690].

Has seen fields of clover near Down affected with clover dodder.

Thinks W. Kemp’s specimens are all common varieties of living species of Atriplex.