As CR is attending meetings of the Geological Society, ARW wants to know about gases in glacier water - have they been ascertained and can CR give an authority on the subject. Has been busy with orchids; writing his article on the Aar gorge; has an invitation to lecture in Davos Platz from Dr Lund; makes an enquiry as to whether workers in the Orchid House at Kew exchange duplicates with amateurs.

ARW mentions CR's letter of about a week or two ago about carbonic-acid gas in glacier water, but ARW is writing his article and may not need ?information? He mentions the son of a friend, on a geology course, but in poor health; could he be with Ordinance Surveyors in the field? He is very keen on geology.

ARW informs CR that his friends are pleased with the prospects opened up by his second letter. The friends' name is Coomára Swamy; the young man's mother is a sister of Mr Beeby the botanist, who married a Cingalese [sic] barrister and member of the Ceylon legislature, came here on government business and was knighted. Further description of the family follows. ARW hopes the young man will be well enough to work in the field.

ARW agrees with CR's report and request for the grant to be restored. The phrase about the snake is very vague. ARW sent a copy of the paper on the Gorge of Aar to Dorchester (?CR at Dorchester). ARW had three weeks in Davos and Adelboden. Ridley has sent a large box of orchids.

Rhizomes of mosses; news from Ridley who has seen a white snake in Selangor caves; Mitten's new Crepis species; Hieracia; will send Hoxne Report from British Association meeting; enclosing two (of his) Dorset papers, one relating to Blashenwell, the other not botanical.