Comments on the wise measures introduced for the governing of the Cape Colony. Has taken over the editorship of a periodical and intends to introduce some of the best local writers. Would welcome JH's advice.

Confident that 1837 will be his last year in Africa. JH's catalog of nebulae and double stars is nearly complete. Has a series of observations of Halley's Comet from 1836-1-25 to 1836-5-5. Although JH is too busy to undertake any magnetic studies, he has been providing information about Carl Gauss's magnetometer to the new observatory in Bombay. Recalls that Charles Babbage mentioned the 'principle' of Gauss's method 'at least 10 or 12 years' ago.

Sends a copy of the printed paper by RF. Regarding chronometer measurements. Has just received a communication from Alexander von Humboldt in which he seems to have anticipated both JH's and RF's ideas. Comments on a new machine for sounding.