Is glad JH has given his opinion to Francis Beaufort on the subject of observations of the first class. Encke's comet is invisible in the 14-ft. within the range of 10 degrees. Last two nights were very favorable. Has seen Encke's comet three times, and it appears just as he saw it in England.

Is intrigued by the apparent displacement of several planetary nebulae from the positions found in the catalogues of other observers. Does not know what to think.

Discusses printing costs. Heard that Halley's Comet was seen with the naked eye in Cape Town; JH is excited about his own prospects of seeing the comet.

JH's letter is curious regarding the planetary nebulae. Intended to ride over this morning but the heat was too great. Encloses estimate for printing the observations; comments on this. Would like to send it to Francis Beaufort on Tuesday. Returns some papers and journals. C. P. Smyth will call today.

Still struggling with the problems inherent in using the mural circle; the comet has apparently been seen by JH's mechanic, John Stone, prior to having been sighted by TM.

Busy taking the means of TM's reduced star observations. Angry that John Stone and James Rance saw Halley's Comet and never told JH.

Mr. Stone has informed about the discovery of the comet. This may cause complications. Sends the ledger of Fearon Fallows, where JH will find other comparisons.

The figure is 7. Will see [F. W.?] Grey again. Hears from Miss Geard that a Mr. Beck has seen the comet with a long tail. Prepared the 14-feet reflector on Saturday but the evening was unfavorable.

Warns that 'a share in a new planet is advertised and that those who will bid must be on the alert.'

Can JH spare a few minutes on Friday to be present when the errors of the transit instrument are being determined. Outlines the investigations necessary. The comet is a splendid fellow. Is busy measuring the diameter of the ring micrometer.

Hopes that TM can explain the errors in JH's star reductions. Saw Halley's Comet last night; comments that 'its tail was again fine and head very bright.'

Asks TM to measure the position of some stars that are difficult for JH to observe.

Intended to call on Sunday but wind and other interruptions interfered. Saw the Comet, probably for the last time on Thursday. Sends the working sheet of the R.A.'s of the Brisbane catalogue. Comments on various aspects of this catalogue. Has written to Commercial Advertiser requesting information from anyone who experienced the recent earthquake shock.

In some places, Halley's Comet will be seen in or near its perihelion during the solar eclipse.

Actinometer observations during the eclipse.

JH cannot lay on too much of this kind of work, the closer in AR [Right Ascension] the better. Comments on the list of stars. The comet should be preceded by certain stars, some of which he cannot identify. If JH cannot see the comet for the trees come to the Observatory.

Asks TM to come over and to select the trees for the Time Ball.

Captain [F. W.?] Grey has just been to the Observatory as he wished to ascertain the error of his chronometers. Outlines the signalling devices adopted. Fine definition last evening. Will call on Saturday if convenient.

Asks TM to inquire of Captain F. W. Grey of the Jupiter about N. L. Lacaille's mural quadrant, which was supposedly aboard the ship two years ago.

N. L. Lacaille's quadrant appears to have been shipped to England and landed at Portsmouth Dockyard. Will put the ball on the new flagstaff to be erected. Has spoken to George Eden (1st Earl of Auckland) about the Simon's Bay tide machine.