Talks of administrative matters. Tells of some collection that left by the Water Lily Singapore on 5th March including, orang skins and skulls, ferns and insects bird and mammal skins, shells, reptiles and directs Stevens what should be done with these collections.

Talks of the difficulties he has had in getting to Macassar and his preparations he has made for collecting once he arrives there. He is sending two cases to Stevens - one full of books which he wants to sell and the other full of monkey skins, shells, insects for sale as well as insects, birds and monkey skull for private collection. Also some items addressed to Mrs Wallace and Mr Sims. Encloses a letter for forwarding to Bates.

Mentions lack of insects to be found in the area in the dry season and attributes this to the cultivation of this area. Has had more success in collecting birds. The birds in this area "throw great light on the laws of Geographical distribution of Animals in the East". He is preparing a short account of his theory for publication. His bird collection amounts to 68 species of which about 20 are not found to the west of the island. Goes on to describe the land and its cultivation. Details some specimens he is sending to Singapore for shipping home (includes birds for sale, butterflies, beetles and land and fresh water shells). Offers the domestic duck to Darwin as well as the jungle cock.

Talks of his arrival in Celebes [Sulawesi] and describes very sparse land. There are some woods (patch of about 6-8 miles) and he has found some birds and butterflies but no beetles. Talks of the difficulties collecting here being similar to that of the Amazon. Good collection of birds, including an abundance of Raptorial birds - the first place he has found these in the Archipelago. Collected over 40 species of bird, which he believes include some new species. Then talks of local traditions and some administrative matters.

No summary available.