Sends some figures on long- and short-styled primroses for "Uncle Ch".

HH has nominated JH's son Alexander to fill a post become vacant by the death of Robert FitzRoy.

Feels a little better, but sickness continues.

Wants to borrow Robert Caspary’s paper on the union of buds in Cytisus [see 5012].

Sends Catalogue [of the collection of fossils in the Museum of Practical Geology (1865)], most of which was written in pre-Darwinian epoch [i.e., 1857].

Hears magnum opus [Variation] completely developed, though not yet born.

Has just received the accompanying letter from James Croll so that JH can save himself the trouble of answering CL's query.

On FitzRoy’s suicide.

The Lyell–Ramsay disagreement [on formation of lakes?].

Writes to thank HH for his kindness in nominating son Alexander for the meteorological post [see HH's 1865-5-1].

On FitzRoy’s life and character.

Carl von Siebold’s cases of males and females of gall insects [True parthenogenesis in moths and bees (1857)]. Each sex produced on different plants.

Haeckel’s astonishing case of propagation in a Medusa.

Thanks for copies of his interesting and conclusive letters. Has just returned to Edinburgh and has not yet seen Miss Elizabeth Drummond. Hopes the delightful weather has relieved JH's bronchitis.

Notifying him of a forthcoming meeting of the Lunar Committee of the B.A.A.S.

Accepts position at Blackheath Preparatory School.

No summary available.

Has sent RW a copy of JH's catalog of nebulae and also a biographical sketch of JH's father. Thanks RW for and praises RW's works on sun spots and on the aurora borealis. Notes that G. B. Airy is now disposed to accepting the existence of solar 'willow leaves.'

Thanks FR for copy [of first number] of Der Mensch [1866].

Further comments on the theory of glacier formation, urging causes beyond merely astronomical ones.

Signing himself 'A.B.C.D.,' asks whether a priest is guilty of perjury for having refused to testify regarding a murder on the grounds that this would violate the seal of the confessional.

Sends advice on naturalist matters.

W. H. Harvey’s work [with Wilhelm Sonder, Flora capensis (1859–65)],

and Robert Brown’s publication ["On the organs and mode of fecundation in Orchideae and Asclepiadeae", Trans. Linn. Soc. Lond. 16 (1833): 685–745].

Writes of having seen in S. America a Hymenopteran with tarsi covered with pollen-masses of Asclepias.

Interested in JPMW’s researches in South American caverns.

Mentions poor health.

Thanks for tracings.

Is glad that J. C. Maxwell has received the Aberdeen Professorship. Has forwarded 'your last' to the Principal. Is feeling better, but still needs crutches.

Thanks RM for his interest in a possible position for JH's son Alexander. It now appears that the position will likely go to someone else, but there is so much work to be done in the meteorological office that another person, such as Alexander, would be ideal. Perhaps RM could put in a word for him.

JH's son Alexander is up for membership in the R.A.S., and JH would appreciate RM speaking in favor if the occasion arises. Introduces JH's son John to RM and his wife. Comments on the possibility of still finding [David] Livingstone alive in Africa.