Comments on JH's Treatise Astr. in the Cabinet Cyclopaedia, mentioning its continued publication, misstatements he wishes to correct, and his addition of A. de Gasparis's newly-discovered planet [Hygeia].
Comments on JH's Treatise Astr. in the Cabinet Cyclopaedia, mentioning its continued publication, misstatements he wishes to correct, and his addition of A. de Gasparis's newly-discovered planet [Hygeia].
Comments on his account.
CD’s vexation at the serious printer’s error in his "Geology" [Collected papers 1: 227–50].
Admiralty Manual is now published and an early copy has been sent by post. Remaining copies will be sent later. Regarding the distribution of other copies, can JH assist with some of the addresses?
JDH describes, to [Archibald] Campbell [AC], his ascent of a 17000 foot mountain, during which he found new Rhododendrons, primroses & other alpine things. He finds on average 10 new plants a day. He describes the kinds of Rhododendron on the hill, the most common is Mearinase's[?]. Describes the view of the Zemu & Kinchin [Kanchenjunga] towards Thibet [Tibet] including a Rhododendron covered valley which he later tried to reach with Nimbo, Palesbull & Meepo, only to find it was inaccessible & the route to the pass is not by the head of the Lachen [includes small sketch map]. JDH thinks his current longitude is past the Himalaya crest, though further North lie the 'Powhinry?' [Pauhunri?]. JDH describes the unique vegetation of the Nepal passes. His men are trying to bridge the river. JDH is glad of supplies from AC, as at Bhomsong he is thin & hungry. He details the good weather conditions that allow him to explore every day. He calls the place 'a howling wilderness' with no animals, only snow & avalanches of stone, 1 of which nearly crushed Kinchin [his dog]. JDH recommends that if AC wants to travel to high altitudes he only take roads or passes e.g Tongra. Meepo is ordered to take JDH no further through the pass than a bridge this side of the Latong plain. Botanical collecting is satisfactory, has doubled JDH's Darjeeling flora & garnered 30 Rhododendrons. JDH has a rain register to compare with Darjeeling, will send flowers for Mrs Rowling's & requests Thullier's letter. Illustrated with a sketch titled 'my cake & I' captioned with a rhyme about not sharing cake with his dog. JDH discusses Bhotea [Bhotia] tribes who inhabit the Cachan above Limbos & Ghorkas [Gorkhas] in Nepal, & Hairos[?], Murims[?] & Lepchas in Sikkim. Translates some Bhotia words. Mentions salt trade with Tibet. The Bhotias name for Bhootan [Bhutan] is Lhop or Country of the Dhurmah Rajah. All the people in the region incl. Little Bucharia & Soongaria are Buddhists who practice Lamaism.
Alexander von Humboldt reports reading that Lord Rosse's telescope has resolved the nebula of Orion. Humboldt requests JH's view on the matter. Describes new government.
Appreciates what Murray and the printer are doing to rectify the error [transposition of pages of text in "Geology"]. But if the responsible person will be fined heavily, CD would want to "make some present".
Before he can exchange appointment of Willy [Herschel] he must find out what his present appointment is. Still thinks of going to St. Leonards and hopes to call on the Herschels. Would like Maria Edgeworth's last letter; misses her very much. Should cultivate Angelica.
Map of JDH’s route from Darjeeling showing the Lachen & Lachong passes, the Chola range & his location near the Thibet [Tibet] frontier. He can see the source of the Lachen [River] at the base of Kinchin [Kinchinjunga]. JDH wrote to his mother from Choongtam & to Bentham from Lachen. The villagers are indifferent to JDH's expedition. He draws on the granary that Campbell stored for him at Choongtam. A purple Dentaria & a Polygonum make excellent pot herbs. He describes explorations through scrub of Wallich’s Rhododendron campanulatum, different to WJH’s in 'Botanical Magazine', & the vegetation of the area. JDH discusses his instruments and study of geology & geography. The Rajah has made threats for if JDH enters Thibet. JDH plans to travel up the Rungeet to Jongri. JDH discusses the prospect of going to Borneo for government. He wonders why Lobb is not sent to Darjeeling as he could get Veitch a good collection. JDH aims to open the way for explorers after him. The Rajah has gone to Chumbi & ordered the villages to share food with JDH. He discusses western Borneo & does not believe[James] Brooke’s account, especially after spending time with the Dutch East India Company. JDH would do better at RBG Kew than Borneo, despite his yearning to travel. He discusses government purchasing WJH’s herbarium & library. Graham’s fetched £900. JDH urges WJH to speak to Lord Carlisle about Borneo. Lord Auckland's death does not negate JDH’s obligations. JDH discusses finances; Findley advised him things were bad in Calcutta [Kolkata]. He is sorry the Coelogynes arrived dead; Macrae will attend to further roots sent. Falconer has written to him, JDH fears the H.E.I. [Honorable East India Company] gardens are in trouble. Lord Dalhousie does not care for science. JDH discusses how best to send collections home. Mrs Lawrence succeeded with the Amherstia. JDH discusses identification of Rhododendrons & D.C.[De Candolle’s] divisions of genera. Humbolt complained to JDH about Pentland.
Thanks for his letter. Was pleased to hear about the corrections. Points out another error in JH's figures in JH's Outlines Astr.
Thanks for his obliging note. Has already had one from John Murray. Hopes the Admiralty Manual will bear fruit. Has been at Malvern for three months and his health has improved enormously.
Thanks JFWH for the trouble he has taken to correct printing error in "Geology".
Discusses Dr Gully’s water-cure.
Family news, questions of son Willy's position, frost in the garden, and JH met Louis Philippe.
Mentions illness of Emma Darwin.
Comments on CL’s Second visit to the United States [1849].
His water treatment by J. M. Gully.
CD’s contribution ["Geology"] to J. W. Herschel’s Manual of scientific enquiry [(1849), Collected papers 1: 227–50].
Thanks JH for subscription to the Astronomical Club. Discusses JH's objection to use of symbols in works on navigation. Notes that symbols are becoming more common. Requests advice.
Has received the copies of the Admiralty Manual. Discussions of the electrical observations at Kew are almost finished and will be able to forward the manuscript if desired.
Was grateful for C. R. Darwin's note. Glad to hear of the improved health of Sir J. Dundas. Gives recent observations of Alpha Virginis.
Is passing on a request for a copy of JH's Cape Results from C. L. Littrow of Vienna.
JDH has received letters from WJH, Lady Maria Hooker, his Aunt & Uncle Palgrave & Elizabeth [his sister]. After JDH crossed the river into Tibet, the Bhotans sent word of 140 Tibetan soldiers approaching to turn him out. The Bhot Soubah begged to be absolved of blame; which JDH arranged with Campbell in Darjeeling. JDH describes the vegetation & scenery. He eats 'Chokli-bi' daily which is a Smilacina. One of his Rhododendron collections was ruined on the way to Darjeeling. The Sikkim Rajah is troublesome & JDH has difficulty getting food despite Campbell sending some. JDH is glad WJH liked his fungi & has nothing more to say about Borneo. The Admiralty would like him to give it up. JDH discusses [George] Gardner’s effects. JDH discusses publications; he will let Reeves publish anything but the journals which are for the RBG Kew Annals. Peel will be happy with Hoya. JDH has written a severe letter to Falconer & thinks the [Calcutta] garden is in trouble. He discusses postal methods; parcels to Colvile will not be free. JDH wants Phillips to buy the Rumphian wood cabinet on his behalf; Brown will have it for the British Museum. WJH should tell Veitch to send Lobb to Darjeeling; he can accompany JDH when he returns there in Oct. JDH is grateful for Pentland’s letter but his observations of the horary oscillations differ, as shown by his barometer readings. Sabine has proved the theories he alludes to. No traveller has a meteorological record comparable to JDH’s. Thomson wrote from Simla [Shimla] & plans to join JDH in Dec. JDH will write to thank Sir E.T.[Emerson Tennent] regarding Ceylon [Sri Lanka]. Cecil Beadon will forward WJH some opium things for the museum. Wight is also sending WJH things; JDH praises his ICONES. He is sorry to hear of Endlicher’s death. JDH is collecting moths which he stifles in Cajuput [oil] & stores in tissue paper. He eats musk deer & wild leeks. He mentions Wallich, Lindley & Fortune.
Declines to canvass for Richard King.
Water-cure has benefited health.