— 4 3 — 
11 I hacl but little tiino between my appointment and 
departure. 
" ^ to arrive at the Cape in "a couple of days, 
we proceed steamer to Natal and thence start into 
the Transvaal Territory where we expect to remain about 
six months. 
“ It is very probable that we will effect our return 
journey via Mauritius and Suez which will give me the 
pleasure of seeing yourself and other Mauritian friends. 
u 1 shall try and obtain some meteorological records 
which may be of interest to you. Any information which 
you might communicate will be gladly received. 
“ Please adress your letters “ Care of the Belgian 
Consul Port Natal. ’* 
(< Will you kindly communicate the present letter to 
the Royal Society of Arts and Sciences. 
£ * 1 beo- to ihform you likewise that Mr Houzeau has 
been appointed Director of the Royal Observatory, as tho 
successor of Mi-. Quetelet, after an interregnum of two 
years which was filled up by Mr. R. Quetelet. Although 
engaged on the present expedition, I still hold my ap- 
pointment at the Observatory and am instructed togather 
what scientific information 1 may for the benefit of that 
institution during the course of my journey. 
•• Hoping to sec you towards tin end ot tho year 
