Sending hourly observations of 21 and 22 Dec. last. Comments on the weather during the winter. Performance of the shooting stars in November was poor. Hopes that JH will visit the United States on his way from Brazil to England.
Thanks for work on lunar theory. Sends news from Feldhausen, noting 'latest Astronomical novelty,' the sudden growth of star Eta Argus.
JH is preparing to bring his observations at the Cape to a close; has polished a mirror for TM.
No summary available.
Reports on his observations of the variable stars Eta Argus, Alpha Hydrae, and Alpha Cassiopeiae, and on the comparative brightness of the stars. Mentions that ill health is forcing him to curtail astronomical observing.
Asks Babbage to take small parcel to Henslow.
Sends rock specimen for W. H. Miller. Asks JSH to see whether there is any geology in P. B. Webb and Sabin Berthelot, Histoire naturelle des Îles Canaries [1835–50]. Finds his work on geology growing so large that it will take more than one volume and asks whether this will make publication aid more difficult.
Has accepted Secretaryship of the Geological Society.
Will not come to Cambridge because "as long as I continue well I cannot bear to leave my work for half a day".
On the variability of Alpha Hydrae and some other stars.
No summary available.
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Thanks for information in his letter. Agrees with JH about the variability of Hydra. Argus is returning to its original brightness. The zenith sector is down and in parts and hopes to get it re-erected on Friday. Results at the Observatory are very good.
Regrets that the Herschels were not allowed in when they called; he had given strict instructions that they should be shown in immediately. Grieves to hear of the short stay of the Herschels. Would like to talk to him privately on the State and the policy pursued.
Royal warrant appointing Board of Visitors to Royal Observatory, Greenwich.
Is returning the packet and would JH send the envelope to Mr. Crozier. Inform Sir John Franklin that any further letters should be sent c/o of JB's private address. Includes two short verses.
C. P. Smyth will deliver the micrometer series JH lent him for examining the values of the transit level scale; comments on this. Had another peep at the stars JH mentioned and still finds Argus larger than Rigel. The tent fills Mrs. De Witt's yard. She is a friend and correspondent of Charles Grant (Baron Glenelg).
The publishers [of Zoology] have agreed to 50 plates [for Birds]. Asks JG to decide which are most worthy of being done. Also asks him to see whether Bayfield will undertake [to colour] the birds (and quadrupeds) at something under 5d each.
Questions on breeding and habits.
