Expands on the work of the coal map committee [see JP's 1845-7] by sending along the resolution that created it.

Informs JH that JH together with several others will be responsible for the distribution of the B.A.A.S. catalogue of stars.

Sends JH a copy of the resolution dealing with the publication of Fauna Antiqua Sivalensis.

Informs JH that the committee to deal with the publication of Fauna Antiqua Sivalensis has been struck and is to prepare a request to the government for aid in publishing.

Arrangements made for copies of the B.A.A.S. Catalogue of Stars to be distributed to public institutions and to individuals.

Sends copy of JH's Cambridge B.A.A.S. address. Printer will send proofs for JH's inspection.

The B.A.A.S. grants £70 for the publication of the catalog of J. J. L. Lalande and N. L. Lacaille.

Asks for the reference in which JP states that some erratic boulders came from a lower to a higher level. CD is writing a paper ["Transportal of erratic boulders", Collected papers 1: 218–26] in which he believes he has the true explanation. Would like as many instances, with details, as possible.

JP’s reference was clear, but seems to be different from the case cited by W. Hopkins about erratic conglomerate boulders. Asks for more details on the latter. CD does not think much of Hopkins’ paper ["Elevation and denudation of the district of the lakes of Cumberland and Westmorland", Q. J. Geol. Soc. Lond. 4 (1848): 70–98].

Thanks JP for his note and reference. CD’s paper will not deal with the general question of erratics but only their transportal from a lower to a higher level ["The transportal of erratic boulders", Collected papers 1: 218–27]. His notion is that the boulders were transported by coast-ice, not drifting icebergs, and that during the period of transportal the land was subsiding. Can JP tell him whether the raised conglomerate boulders he observed were rounded or angular?

Some geologists (especially H. T. De la Beche) doubt boulders have really been carried above their parent rock, but rather thought they were left behind as a result of denudation. Asks JP’s view of this, which he can quote. Supposes he will be well abused for his paper, but is resolved "not to show a white feather".

Asks JH to send copy of [T. R.] Robinson's memorial to John Russell on the southern telescope. Robinson's statement 'is wanted' for upcoming council meeting and has not yet arrived.

JH is appointed to a committee that will consider repeating the Balloon Experiments of 1852. William Whewell will head the committee.

Discusses chapter [6] on cleavage and foliation in South America. Notes especially cleavage where two series cross and cleavage as basis of foliation in metamorphosed rock. Notes foliation in rocks that have been liquefied by heat. Mentions case described in his "Geology of the Falkland Islands" [Collected papers 1: 203–12]. Discusses relationship of cleavage to beds. Speculations on association between grauwacke and clay-slates.

Thanks JP for beautiful book [? The rivers, mountains and sea-coast of Yorkshire, 2d ed. (1855)].

Send names of members of B.A.A.S. committee appointed to cooperate with R.S.L. committee for purpose of procuring continuance of observations of terrestrial magnetism.

Forwards copy of the resolution of the General Committee of the B.A.A.S. concerning the continuation of study of magnetic observations.

Humphrey Lloyd, Thomas Robinson, and Edward Sabine will form a committee to continue studying magnetic observations.

Explains that he cannot serve as President of the Zoological Section at the BAAS meeting [1858].

Acknowledges the honour that the Council [of the Geological Society] have conferred upon him [award of Wollaston Medal]. Will attend the anniversary meeting if his health permits, but cannot attend the dinner.