Call on Col. G. G. Lewis; the latter expressed a desire to see the rods laid off. Can JH come and breakfast with them to see the operation? JH needs a rest from astronomy to restore his health.

Experiencing 'a daily increase of pain and feebleness.'

Sending a few lines via Captain Basil Hall. Has sent his observations of the refractions of stars at lower altitudes than 5 degrees, to the R.A.S. Started work on determining the position of the stars from Baily's zodiacal catalogue. Government has authorized the printing of the observations.

Sends the Comptes rendus in which he will find the notice TM alluded to. Beautiful definition last night. Gauze diminishes the light without further mischief.

Encloses a dispatch from Thomas Henderson, who is very pleased with his work and a word from JH would spur him on. Is more out of touch with science at Edinburgh than JH is at the Cape. Young engineer, J. S. Russell, has idea for swift towing canal boats. Doubtless he has seen Francis Baily's supplement on John Flamsteed.

Further information about boats in canals. Sends proof sheets of the article in question.

Intended to ride over today, but urgent mail from England claimed his attention. No news from the Admiralty. No news of the tide machine. The tripods are finished. Gathers that the Bonita cannot perform all D. F. J. Arago wished.

Returns JH's book of estimated magnitudes and would like it again when preparing his catalogue. Sends letters he received from Francis Beaufort and [Richard?] Jones. Is oppressed with business and an awful cough.

Received the enclosed communications by the steamer. Can JH send him a list of unobserved comet stars? Work on N. L. Lacaille's Observatory gives satisfaction. Regarding Capt. Mackonochee. Lacaille's angular measurements are not above suspicion. Observed the two rings of Saturn distinctly.

Is grateful for JH's kindness conveyed in his letter brought to him by Mohammed Ismail Khan. The latter has been attempting to persuade JL to go to Lucknow as an engineer, but has declined pending offer from the King of Oude. Will send his observations to Francis Beaufort after JH has left the Cape. Answers some of JH's queries.

Family news update.

Will call on JH tomorrow as he intends visiting Simon's Bay. Is taking a proof sheet to Cape Town. There appears to be a great discrepancy between the Captain's statement and N. L. Lacaille's station. The latter's station at Rubeck Castel remains perfect.

Charles Babbage will publish JH's volcanic theory in Ninth Bridgewater Treatise, together with JH's letter to R. I. Murchison. William Whewell read both at Geological Society. Babbage wants to compare JH's theory with passage from Bishop [Samuel] Butler. Whewell's notion of new species. Charles Darwin's new theory of coral islands is forcing CL to give up CL's volcanic crater theory. [Letter continues 28 May.] Sends copy of Babbage's Treatise with quotes from JH. News of Charles Wheatstone's submarine telegraph and David Brewster's proof that diamond is of vegetable origin.

The examination of the standard deal rod was commenced yesterday. Comments on the procedure and gives readings. The base line was levelled on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday and he is now ready to measure it. Would like JH to be present if possible when he measures it. Had 25 visitors in one morning recently.

Introducing Franklin Lushington who is going to New Holland on a surveying expedition. The ship carrying him will call at the Cape for instructions. Has written to the Governors here to induce them to adopt the Greek style, not the Gothic for the Houses of Parliament.

Encloses list of subscriptions raised to offset debt incurred by John Fairbairn [Editor of Commercial Advertiser] in law actions brought by [John?] Chase. Desires JH's support.

Relating the events of the last three years. Charles Babbage has published his Bridgewater treatise. Charles Lyell is just off to Norway. Mr. D'Arblay dies of a fever. Hopes JH is not working too hard. Very pleasant garden at Haileybury.

Has JH's letter and check. Wants to avoid improper use of JH's name. Sent list of first names and contributions to John Fairbairn. List will be returned to JR and then sent to JH.

Wants JH's opinion of what to do with the subscription list. Will wait to proceed until he has an answer.

JH's letter has appeared in print in Charles Babbage's Bridgewater Treatise. Comments on the books of Babbage and William Whewell. C. R. Darwin has read his paper on Coral Reefs. RM is to be General Secretary of the next B.A.A.S. meeting. [William?] Ayrton was elected F.R.S.