Fertilisation of clover by bees in New Zealand.
Uneasy about biggest genera and their varieties.
H. T. Buckle’s sophistry [History of civilisation in England (1857)].
Working on bees’ cells.
Believes that botanists tend to mark more varieties in large than in small genera, but notes that where many varieties of a species exist these varieties may well be passed over, whereas similar varieties of another species which are fewer in number may well be recorded.
Congratulations on birth of THH’s daughter [Jessie].
On aboriginal dun colour of horses.
Examples of inaccuracies and perpetuation of errors [on hybrids] by "compilers, of which I am one".
Botanical practice can confuse CD’s compilations. Many small genera would have been species had the whole natural order [family] been known.
JDH’s low opinion of Buckle;
high opinion of Mrs Farrer.
Is glad to sign certificate. Complains about tendency of Alexander von Humboldt, whose volume Mrs. Sabine is translating, to ignore other scientists' work.
Requesting clarification of nature of work of joint committee of R.S.L. and B.A.A.S.
Discusses ellipticity and results of [G. B.] Airy and [F. W.] Bessel. Also, [Alexander von] Humboldt's magnetic results.
Identifies an ant described by CD and discusses the predatory habits of Formica sanguinea.
Describes some wasps’ nests.
Announces that the R.A.S. will print a map showing the path of the 15 Mar. 1858 eclipse.
CD intends to enter WED at Christ’s College.
Thanks him for inquiries made about horses.
WDF’s nephew has forgotten to mention the most important element, whether the lizards’ eggs floated and stayed alive on sea-water.
Thanks for facts about turkeys and terrier [see Natural selection, p. 481 n.].
JDH has confirmed CD’s opinion on the affinities of species in great genera. Is looking at large genera in several local Floras to find the "range & commonness of varying species".
Has been "beyond measure interested" in the construction instincts of the hive-bee.
No summary available.
Lists facts from various astronomical catalogues, such as the number of fixed, double, and binary stars. Discusses parallax. Thanks her for second edition of Physical Geography.
Finds no inaccuracies in statement made to TA about Hollier's trust fund. Knows of no incumbrances on reversionary interests of W. H. B. Hollier.
Writes regarding CD’s query on yellow-billed cuckoo and the laying of eggs in other birds’ nests.
Calls attention to vol. 3 of Toronto observations, where Edward Sabine, [T. R.] Robinson, and HL expressed their views on continuing magnetic observations. Emphasizes importance of discovering physical and mathematical laws that govern magnetic phenomena. Sufficient data already exist for this. Recommends continuing hourly observations for five more years at seven foreign observatories (listed). [JH note: Routing slip to B.A.A.S. committee, instructing each member to read and forward HL's recommendations.]
No summary available.
Riddles, Latin nursery rhymes, and an eclipse description.
'Making perhaps my last attack' on Gamma Virginis. Night air is increasingly detrimental to health.