Proposes a dry place for the apparatus for their laboratory and draws a plan for CD’s criticism.

Price has found black sediment in his tea, which was attracted to a magnet.

Is grateful for his letter and also for the brochure. Sees the folly of his own impatience. Regarding object glasses of telescopes.

Thanks for turkey. Compliments Smith on new part of "Flora Graeca" especially 'Dianthi' ['Dianthus'?]. [Samuel Goodenough] and himself agree with Smith on [Robert] Brown, who is making up his mind on an unspecified subject. Asks after Smith's "intersting "Flora"". Received letter from [Alexander von] Humboldt who is working on his "Geography of Plants" and complains of [Aimé] Bonpland having taken specimens. Has just obtained first part of a "Flora of Brazil".

Asks CD to do an experiment for him.

Has found a curious stone in his fire.

Price’s iron in tea measured 13 per cent.

Asks WS for account of the performance of his new [Josef] Fraunhofer telescope. Corroborates WS's double star motion data, except for 70 Ophiuchi, where JH and [James] South find no motion. Asks for observational targets and urges care in WS's observational technique. Mentions WS's intention to undertake celestial zone with [F. W.] Bessel. Describes [Henry] Kater's 'floating collimator.'

Thanks Smith for writing to [Robert] Brown [about his taking post of Linnean Society Secretary]; disappointed Smith has not remarked on his decision to leave for New South Wales, [Australia], at the end of April, more hurt after the Bishop [of Carlisle, Samuel Goodenough] repeated several times that it would be "far beneath" Brown to take such a position. Three vacancies on FMLS list.

Reassures Macleay he is not "indifferent" to the "sad event" of his departure [to New South Wales, Australia]; he feels the strongest regret. Delayed replying to Macleay's news until he had heard from [Robert] Brown but still waiting; thinks it not suited to his "retired manners" but if he undertakes it "with heart & good will" he would be the best candidate, and would not have asked him if he did not think it did Brown honour, the Bishop [of Carlisle, Samuel Goodenough] "sometimes singular in ideas".

Third volume of his "English Flora" must be finished before he comes to London, which keeps him very busy; his "correspond[en]ts have no mercy". Feels the loss of a "real friend" in Macleay.

JF was elected associate of Astronomical Society. Will send Society's Transactions and JH's 'Absorption of Light.' W. H. F. Talbot delivered JF's 'Crown glass Prism.' JH presented J. G. Soldner's observations to Society and proposed Soldner as associate.

Presented WR's paper on a new photometer to R.S.L. Discusses how objections may be avoided. Believes [John] Leslie's photometer should be thrown aside.

Will receive 1827 Astronomical Yearbook through Mr. Hunnemann. Would be glad if he could hurry up the Parramatta Observations from K. L. C. Rümker. Various queries regarding publications.

Notes and comparisons for their recent observations of stars. Was interested in the account of Henry Kater's collimator and hopes it will be adapted for Greenwich.

Still anxious to become a fellow of the R.S.L. Thanks JH for offer. Would like to be elected before end of present session.

News since he left Palermo. Comments on the pamphlet NC recently sent him. Has to inform him that he has been elected an Associate of the Astronomical Society.

Queries on 'Thea' for his dissertation on same: asks why Linnaeus' named two species, 'Thea bohea' and 'T. viridis', asks that Smith consult Linnaean specimens.

[Smith has noted his reply of 12 February 1825] Relates his findings following examination of Linnaeus' specimens; confusion caused by the Chinese sending specimens of species of 'Thea' and 'Camelliae' to Europe under guise of different teas; has never been able to find any specific difference between 'T. bohea' and 'T. viridis'.

Tells CD a bill is all right. Hopes his father will pay it and a wine merchant’s bill as well.

Declines offer of Secretaryship of the Linnean Society and explains his decision. Pleased that Smith's health has improved and his progress with the third volume of "The English Flora". Sending Smith his appendix to "Captain Parry's 1st Voyage" and his contribution to the botanical appendix of "Captain Franklin's journey". Pleased that Smith is to adopt Brown's proposals for 'Cruciferae', and comments on [Augustin Pyramus] de Candolle's work on the same.

Thanks JH for introducing WR's paper on photometer to R.S.L. council. Sends drawing of instrument and alterations to WR's paper that resulted from improvements in instrument.

Sorry that [Robert] Brown has declined Secretaryship of the Linnean Society, as he would have "done so much honour to the Society"; [James] Bicheno is willing to accept the post if offered; [Edward] Barnard also expressed an interest, but majority of Council favours Bicheno. Departure of [Alexander] Macleay a "great loss" for the Society but the colony [New South Wales] will benefit, as "such a man is much wanted there"; [Joseph] Sabine has been called out on his proposed portait of Macleay.

He has moved to Hale End, [Essex], invites Smith to stay when next in London.

Suggested improvements to John Leslie's photometer.

Outlining his Italian travels after leaving Naples. Had to return home as business pressed.