Congratulates RC on his work on Scottish sea-margins [Ancient sea-margins (1848)].

Discusses Glen Roy; Milne staggered him in favour of the glacier view, but now his opinion has reverted.

Agrees that Kew Observatory should remain open. Will urge B.A.A.S. to continue observations. Admiralty Manual going slowly. WB may use Admiralty's printer for WB's separate article. Did not tell Lord [Auckland, i.e., George Eden] of WB's offer to go to New Zealand.

Believes B.A.A.S. should continue to maintain Kew Observatory, but worries about finances. Encloses letter from William R. Birt, whose aid will maintain it for a while.

Thanks for the offer of 25 copies of the Admiralty Manual. Thinks contributors should receive 6 copies instead of the 2 copies originally intended. Some misunderstanding of his proposals regarding returns of information. Printer has made a blunder in the Manual and JH has given orders for new pages to be substituted.