His letter possibly did not reach him as his friend is still inquiring about a telescope for Lima.

Will be pleased to provide a testimonial for J. D. Hooker, who is seeking the Chair in Botany at Edinburgh, but fears he himself is so little known that it could only be of the smallest service. Has asked Lyell to write to J. F. W. Herschel giving an opinion of J. D. Hooker.

[Responding to WH's 1845-8-21], JH states that he has not yet received the information needed from [William] Simms. Has sent a further communication to Simms.

Encloses a testimonial letter for J. D. Hooker [see 907]. If WJH thinks the letter could be improved CD will alter it. Feels it a disgrace that a professor should be appointed by men "who never heard of Humboldt & Brown".

A letter in support of J. D. Hooker as a candidate for Edinburgh Chair in Botany. No one better qualified. Wishes him success.

Many thanks for the trouble he has taken over the matter of the telescope for Lima. His own son Joseph is a candidate for the chair of botany at Edinburgh and would be grateful for a testimonial.

At WH's request [see WH's 1845-8-27], JH writes in support of WH's son, Joseph D. Hooker, as a candidate for the chair of botany at Edinburgh University.

[Responding to WH's 1845-8-27], has been slow in writing recommendation [see JH's 1845-9-19] for WH's son, Joseph D. Hooker, because, not having met WH's son, wished to get judgment from James Ross. Enclosing Ross's very complimentary letter.

Is grateful for JH's testimonial for his son Joseph. Wishes the Herschels would come and look around Kew. Regarding the Cape bulbs. Has no official person to collect seeds.

JDH informs his father, Sir William Jackson Hooker, about developments in his candidature for the Chair of Botany at Edinburgh University, usually held by one person unifying the posts of College Professor, Regius Professor, & Curator of the Botanic Garden. He reports that [John Hutton] Balfour had previously refused to take the post of Chair without the garden curatorship leaving only JDH & Leller[?] as candidates. JDH is Crown nominated & has the support of the University Provost but needs approval from the Town Council. The Natural History Chair also needs dual approval, the Provost plans to petition Sir James Graham [Home Secretary] to relinquish all Government, or 'Crown', control over 1 chair in return for total control of the other, plus his guaranteed support for JDH's candidature. JDH does not think this will be well received as the government has put a lot of money into the college & botanic garden. JDH adds that Balfour has since revoked his conditional refusal of the post of Chair of Botany without the garden curatorship, & the Town Council is inclined to appoint him if only to demonstrate their influence to government. They also want someone with lecturing, not just botanical, credentials. JDH is dismissive of their opposition, if he got the posts of Regius Professor & Garden Curator the faculty would have to accept him. Only the College Professorship is in the gift of the Town Council, it would be the post devalued & JDH would be happy to free of it & the Council's oversight in exchange for the reduced salary. He concludes that it has all become a matter of politics. One Councillor suggested that JDH take Balfour's current position at Glasgow claiming it was of equal value, JDH disabused him. JDH mentions some people he has seen, or expects to soon, in Edinburgh: Nicoll, the Gibson Craigs, Deucher[?], Muir, Henderson & Smith, the Sands & Lord Falnor[?]. He also has invitations to Kilmun, Riccarton, the Smiths at Coulston, E. Hendersons & the Gardens.

No summary available.

[James C.] Stewart has written to suggest the establishment of botanical gardens at the Cape. JH supports this idea. Would WH also?

Regarding a botanical garden at the Cape and suitable staff. Would like to join with JH in a memorial to the Colonial Office.

Has heard nothing from him regarding the Cape garden. Wrote to the Colonial Office advising that the Cape garden should be similar to that at Ceylon. Hopes he agrees that Wynberg is the most likely spot.

Thinks it a good idea to send a memo to the Colonial Office on the question of a Cape botanical garden. Has consulted W. H. Harvey on the question. What a curious plant is found on the coasts of Africa.

Notes a small error in materials WH sent.

No summary available.

The Professor of Botany at the Royal Dublin Society has died. Would like to propose their friend W. H. Harvey for the position. Would JH write a letter of commendation to the Society?

[Responding to WH's 1847-6-16], JH doubts that JH's endorsement of [William H.] Harvey's candidacy for professorship of botany would have much credibility. Does hold Harvey in high esteem.

JDH writes from Lisbon regarding his journey, letter sent with one to Miss Henslow. Anticipates good passage as far as Sidon but plans after reaching Egypt are uncertain, he will stay close to G.G. [Governor General]. Discusses how grandfather has invested JDH's money & how to draw money from W. & T.[?] after arrival in Calcutta [Kolkata]. Letter arrived at Portsmouth containing letters of introduction for JDH in Calcutta. Suggests Miss Cracroft would be liked by his family & should visit Kew & wants to know what friends of hers he should visit in India. Mother to forward this information through Mrs Kendal. Reports on progress with V.D.L. [van Diemen's Land] plants to be sent home by Dr Salmon, not Miller, along with the with the Niger m/s [manuscript]. Provisionally calls the new V.D.L. cruciferous plant Bretonia. This & the Fagus called ‘gunnii’ from the m/s of Gunn’s trip should be checked by Pl[anchon?] to see if names are occupied & characters drawn up. Dr Richardson to be informed what ship the plants are sent on so he can send case of bottles by the same via steamer to Barnes. JDH to write again from Gibraltar with account of Lisbon.