JH will hear in due course of the resignation of Mr. Young, the Medical Officer for Hawkhurst. Thinks something must be done quickly to improve matters.
No summary available.
JDH’s grandfather’s death.
Collecting testimonials for the Edinburgh chair.
Gentlemen owners of the school property offer her headmistress post and a house, but she declines since “neither [brother] will come over and join me in my plans.” Robinson House will have nine rooms, with schoolrooms detached from the abode. Was teaching some entomology and “constantly thinking of you dear Alfred.” Asks if he knows about the mysterious “blood rain,” which was scientifically explained by crimson fluid left on trees at night by thousands of butterflies. Amused at credulity of black girls to whom she teaches reading Sundays on her own time. They think England must be a poor Country, as the Brits have no black people to raise their cotton, corn, and watermelons, and so have none. “Indoor Slaves are happy creatures when their Mistresses are kind, and wish for nothing better.” Includes separate note to Mama about her distress at being pressured to marry a local gent; ‘finally declined” his offer of marriage, as she does not love him.
Encloses signed receipt for promissory note for £150 from John Murray. Hopes to have pleasure of meeting him soon. Is particularly obliged for promise of information on success of volume.
Received his note this morning, the first tidings he had heard of the matter. Gives his own opinion of the matter. Would have liked to have conferred with him. His neighbors are away so has been unable to consult them.
Chair of Botany at Edinburgh is now vacant and Joseph Hooker intends applying for it. Would be grateful if JH would supply a testimonial for Hooker. There is only one other candidate for the position.
"All about household and money matters." The family is now living on about £1000 per annum. Plans a new walk and additions to the house.
Consulting with [Adolphe] Quetelet regarding some magnetic instruments. Discusses reply of Treasury regarding various endeavors. Discusses shipping charges on Russian materials.
Is sending JH some powder that HP thinks might be a good compound for polishing telescope specula.
Condolences on JDH’s grandfather’s death.
When his wife can move, they will go to Staffordshire.
Returns some books; would like to see copy of Kosmos [by Alexander von Humboldt]. Would be proud owner of JDH’s work [Flora Antarctica (1844–7)].
The most experienced botanists argue for the "validity of species in nature". Against taxonomic "splitters".
CD’s Cape Tres Montes plants.
Was at Hawkhurst for a few days but was unable to call on JH. Further regarding the case of the Medical Officer for Hawkhurst, Mr. Young.
No summary available.
No summary available.
Thanks for inspecting WS's [manuscript] and noting errors. Computations by Mr. Hinde [J. R. Hind?] from observations of Gamma Virginis by WS.
Going to Shrewsbury on Monday.
Means to attempt the question of species: "though I shall get more kicks than half-pennies, I will, life serving, attempt my work".
Sends a copy of an ephemeris of Biela's comet for November and December.
Sending one of his own books for the R.A.S. and one of his memoirs, also one for JH. Is lacking part of his set of the Memoirs of the Astronomical Society.
Thanks for Journal of researches.
Puzzled over pea flower from Cape Tres Montes.
Thinks species a fair and most profitable subject for discussion, but has no formed opinion of his own.
