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.

Members of R.S.L. committee to study Kew observatory. Copies of correspondence between ES and W. R. Birt. If Birt is retained, expenses of Kew observatory will exceed money granted by B.A.A.S. Before applying for government assistance, JH and G. B. Airy must agree on plan.

Agrees with W. R. Birt on advantages of continuing Kew observatory if B.A.A.S. can afford it. Encloses Birt's letter to JH. Understands difficult financial position of B.A.A.S.

JH may meet with Kew committee in London on 16 June. William Mann will probably replace late T. G. Taylor in Madras. Suggests that W. R. Birt replace Mann at Cape of Good Hope. Position at Kew would not be suitable to Birt.

William Mann's application to replace late T. G. Taylor [at Madras observatory] has been approved by H.E.I.C. B.A.A.S. cannot offer good position at Kew to W. R. Birt. Goals of B.A.A.S. committee to report on Kew observatory. Please return [T. R.] Robinson's account of William Parson's telescope.

Encloses letter to ES from Mr. Hutton.

Discusses reduction of observations, continuation of various observatories, and the necessary financial arrangements for each. JH's actinometer instructions were misunderstood at Toronto.

Hopes JH can attend council meeting on 7 July. Thinks Kew Observatory could be made an important magnetic and meteorological station.