JDH informs Ward that the expedition was unable to go to Chatham Islands so he could not get Hypnum Menziesii for Ward. There are very few botanical discoveries to be made in the extreme south latitudes. The wealth of marine animals suggests there should be corresponding plant life but JDH has only found 1 sea plant within Antarctica; a Diatoma. He has found vegetation beyond the previous southern extreme of known plants: Deception Island. He discusses these southerly marine plants: Sargassum natans, Macrocystis pyrifera & a Laminaria brought on currents from New Zealand & propagated at sea by marine animals. The distribution & character of the latter is described at length. Recounts his study of the new Antarctic Diatoma identical to confervoid remains found in fossil powders, & his study of New Zealand mosses incl. a long description of the development of Theca based on dissections of Orthotichum, Dawsonia & Polytrichum & Sclotheimia sp. In general his conclusions agree with Valentine's. His description incl. detailed speculation on Sporule formation, the anatomy of the columellar e.g. in a new species of Entosthodon from Bay of Islands & in other Funaria, & the teeth which connect the peristome to the theca e.g. in Schistostega & Syrrhopodon compared to Syrrhopodon & others. His observations suggest that the distinction of genus Codonoblepharum based on its cone shaped membrane is erroneous. Quotes from his notes on a Campbell Island moss. Speculates on the nature of the annulus. Touches on the mystery of sexes in mosses. States that all this anatomical investigation should aim toward a natural arrangement of mosses, hitherto hampered by ignorance re. geographical distribution & habit. Under date 21 June records his observations on the anatomy of an Orthotrichum & a Sphagnum, incl sketches. Under date July 21 describes: dissection of Voitia, with reference to Brown's description from Parry's Voyage, also the drumhead of Polytrichnum, both incl. illustrations.

Since JDH last wrote to Nathaniel Ward the expedition has been to Cape Horn, where there are many Cryptogamic plants. Refers to some comments Ward made on the Niger Expedition & gives his own opinion of the undertaking, mentioning other 'disastrous' expeditions by Tuckey, Parks & Lander. He suggests that only men who are properly 'acclimatised' should be sent on expeditions. Recommends that Dr William Stanger settle in Van Diemen's Land [Tasmania] rather than New Zealand. Comments that the Niger expedition seems to have had plentiful provisions but does not credit Stanger's claims that the amount of Madeira, ale & claret he drank saved his life any more than he believes his own ship rations prevent scurvy. JDH complains about having to eat bread that was full of mould & maggots, it was sold to them at Hobart from the refuse of a convict ship. Writes about a month spent at Cape Horn where he collected Muscologia [Bryophytes], including Leptostormum Menziesii & Polytrichum dendroides in the mountains & woods; woods comprised beeches, Pernettia, Wintera, Escallonia & Berberis. Describes the reasons for the difference in vegetation between heavily wooded Fuegia [Tierra del Fuego] & the barren Falkland Islands, despite their having similar mean temperatures. He puts it down to soil, geology, topography, diurnal variations & hygrometric state of the atmosphere. JDH likens the situation & rich vegetation of Fuegia to New Zealand. Antarctic climates are of particular interest to JDH re. botanical geography as they have no parallel anywhere else. JDH regrets that Harvey's 'state' will prevent them meeting at the Cape [South Africa] & discussing Cryptogamia. JDH is sending Ward some mosses, strictly for his personal use only, Captain Ross does not like any of the expedition findings to be sent home through unofficial channels. Hopes Ward will soon have more time to spend on Cryptogamic botany, a neglected discipline. Sends his regards to Ward's son & to Mr Loddiges.

No summary available.