Cruel illness has kept him from work for a while. Just finished Histoire des sciences mathématique et physique chez les belges. AQ's son works with proper motion, double and multiple stars, and absolute positions.

Recalls translating Outlines Astr. into Chinese. Wishes to visit JH before returning to China.

Heard of JH's 'domestic affliction.' Postpones visit till next week.

Will observe fertilisation of melastomads as CD requests.

Observations on fertilisation by ants.

Detailed observations on sexes in Catasetum, which were made before he received Orchids and which differ from CD’s findings.

Sends copy of G. F. J. A. von Auwers's catalog of JH's and William Herschel's nebulae. Observatory has another copy. Notes odd lines seen in 'Refraction Spectra of 11 stars.'

Refraction spectra of six stars exhibit lines corresponding with 'Solar Line F.'

Expect some errors in calculations of positions for JH's catalogue of nebulae. Suggestions on format.

Recommends Lyell’s book [Antiquity of man (1863)].

Quotes praise of AG’s pamphlet [see 2938].

Comments on U. S. politics.

Owen’s cutting critique of Lyell’s book [Antiquity of man] in Athenæum [21 Feb 1863, pp. 262–3]. JDH despises Owen’s mind too much to hate his individuality.

CD’s comments on JL’s paper [first part of "On the development of Chloëon dimidiatum", Trans. Linn. Soc. Lond. 24 (1863): 61–78].