JDH writes that he is enclosing a copy of what he has written for W A Smith. Says that Sir William Turner Thiselton-Dyer [WTTD] will have concluded that the site of the kitchen garden was taken over for tree propagation for the Parks during Sir Benjamin Hall's time [as First Commissioner of Works]. The trees have now gone to Aldershot, Woolwich, Battersea & Victoria Parks. JDH says that a lot were sold cheaply or burnt as the Board of Works would not go to the expense of properly distributing & replanting stock. Potatoes continued to be grown to keep the 'kitchen garden' ground open. JDH reports that [John] Tyndall is much better but delicate.

JDH writes that he is returning a signed cheque [item not present] to Sir William Turner Thiselton-Dyer. JDH is currently ill with bronchitis. Asks if [his son] Brian [Harvey Hodgson Hooker] has told Harriet [Thiselton-Dyer, nee Hooker] that he has a daughter. JDH writes that he is enclosing Brian's letter [enclosure not present]. JDH has just finished revising Xyridea, which hadn't been touched for 50 years. New drawings from fresh specimens are needed & JDH is urging [George] King to do them. JDH has made 2 or 3. He will be ready for the Palms soon. [Odorado] Beccari has promised references but JDH is not looking forward to translating the Italian.