Correspondence and requests for advice relating primarily to the establishment of observatories in various localities, including in North America. There are also letters concerning University Chairs and correspondence with the Treasury on financial matters. The correspondents include the Duke of Northumberland, M.J. Johnson, S.H. Christie, R. Sheepshanks, Sir T.M. Brisbane, W.S. Stratford, W.H.C. Bartlett, J. Glaisher, J.P. Nichol, J.W. Lubbuck, J.Q. Adams, J.M. Gillis, J.D. Forbes, C.P. Smyth, W.H. Smyth, J. Pennington, G. Bishop, J.R. Hind, Lord Wrottesley, W.R. Dawes and T. Maclear. The letters include some correspondence relating to J.Q. Adams, former President of the United States. The volume also includes articles from 'The Boston Courier' and 'The Guinea Times'.