Asks about partially white leaves and about droplets of water forming at the tops of leaves. Has been studying the effects of spectral rays on vegetable colorings.

CD sends seeds found by W. Kemp of Galashiels with explanation and request that they be planted and a report sent to him, so that Kemp may publish his discovery if results are interesting.

Thanks for the deodar seeds sent; accepts JL's offer of some young deodar plants. Needs instructions on planting these. Does JL have a copy of JH's 'On the Action of the Rays of the Solar Spectrum on Vegetable Colours, and on Some New Photographic Processes'?

[Responding to JL's 1844-12-30], declines JL's request that JH write a series of articles on meteorology, because of JH's need to work on the manuscript for JH's Cape Results. Hopes eventually to write on meteorology.

CD sends a copy [of South America] to Gardeners’ Chronicle and refers to a passage on Patagonian salt; asks for backing and specific information supplementing his suggestion that an added chloride would increase the salt’s preserving power.