Addresses Smith as "one of the most successful and scientific cultivators of Natural History of which England can boast", informing him that a natural history museum funded by the government has been established here, by order of Lord Charles Somerset [(1767-1831), colonial administrator], and of which he has been appointed a superintendent. Offers to send Smith and Linnean Society any botanical, zoological, or mineralogical specimens required. Concedes that whilst considerable attention has been paid to this part of the world's botany a great deal remains to be done, alluding to new discoveries such as 'Crapula', 'Mesembryanthemum', 'Aloe', and 'Colyledon'. An application has been made to attach a botanic garden to the museum.

Will do all he can to satisfy Smith with Cape 'Orchideae'. Has a young artist to make painting from live specimens, sending figure of 'Disperis villosa' [extant]. Believes a "very splendid" work could be made from having a painting of every Cape species in full flower, with Smith being sent dried specimens to provide full descriptions from; difficulty of transporting live plants back to England.

Has sent promised papers to Sir Everard Home [(1756-1832), physician] describing new species each of 'Hyaena' and 'Hyrax'; observations on gland secretions of former; hopes Home will send them to Linnean Society and that they will be published in "Linnean Transactions". It is his ambition to produce a good work on zoology of South Africa. Many collectors currently here: 3 from Prussia, 3 from France, and 6 from other European countries. Lists some of the curiosities of his portfolio; he is particularly interested in snakes. Mode natural history is now studied makes it easier to notice habits of animals for classification.

Watercolour of 'Disperis villosa'.

Prospects good for crossing Kalahari Desert and visiting Musalacatzie [Moselekatse], 'dreaded tyrant of the interior.' Heard reports of extraordinary animals and great inland lake. Describes planned itinerary and John Barrow's observations.

Note of thanks to JH for interceding on AS's behalf.

Tells JH about artifact exhibition AS has set up, and about preparation for publication of some astronomical observations.

More about lack of success of exhibition, and about publication of observations [see AS's 1837-8-27].

Note accompanying one of AS's publications on South African zoology.

Sends his congratulations and best wishes on CD’s marriage.

Declines an invitation to visit JH; comments on political situation in South Africa.

Apologizes for illness preventing him from coming to Collingwood; comments on the South African political picture, and AS's intention to retire.

AS has been seriously ill with rheumatic fever.

Is studying the natives of South Africa to see whether he can trace any connection between them and the populations of North Africa.

On Hottentot ideas of beauty in women; their preference for women with large posteriors. [See Descent 2: 345–6.]

Admires CD’s ability to work so hard under adverse circumstances; finds his health makes all work an effort.

On Hottentots’ blushing.

Gives case of a baboon’s revenge. [See Descent, 2d ed. (1874), p. 69.]

Disagrees with CD and especially with Lubbock and McLennan about communal marriage. [See Descent 2: 361–3.]

Thanks CD for a letter to Galton which enabled him to get information on the inhabitants of a part of South Africa. Is trying to work up the ethnology of South Africa, but fears he will become disheartened.