JDH informs Lady Hyacinth Jardine [later Hooker] that Mr Smith has arranged for a pitcher plant to be sent to her, addressed to the Lockerbie station. JDH mentions the 'exceptionally splendid weather'. He has seen [Charles] Lyell at the Philosophical Club & found him changed: speech unintelligible & looking frail.

JDH identifies a plant as Wigandia Caracasana, native to Venezuela, which is planted for foliage in the London parks but only flowers in a hot house. JDH would like to take a walk with Lady Hyacinth Jardine but is very busy with work. He has little time for reading novels but has started BURGO-MASTERS FAMILY & recommends it. He reports that Lady Jardine's Oaks are growing nicely & asks when she will come to see them. Frances [Hooker née Henslow] caught a cold at the [University] Boat race.

Wants to discuss raising a testimonial fund for Huxley and whether Huxley would stand this.

Thinks the Huxley fund should be done. Difficulty will be getting him to accept it.

George Henslow is worse. All plans to go abroad have been given up. James Paget’s diagnoses enclosed.

JDH identifies, for Lady Hyacinth Jardine [later Hooker], an Epimedium as E. pinnatum & an Elm as an Elaeagnus probably E. hortensis, which is used for making sherbet in the East. Elaegnus odoratus is not a name known to JDH but it could be a newly introduced Japanese species. JDH sends his thanks for some moss, [John] Smith would like some more. He would also like Gualtherias & any Epimedium, Asarum & Sanguinaria to plant out in beds which he will name after Lady Jardine, he also offers greenhouse plants in exchange. He intends to try growing Cyclamen on the terrace by the new range & other similar things that would not ordinarily grow in the Kew soil. A planned trip has been postponed by the illness of Frances Hooker's brother George Henslow who has become paralysed. Frances is not well either & will go to stay with the Darwins. JDH sends his regards to Lady Jardine's husband Sir William. He appears to continue the letter after the signature, addressing Sir William's criticisms of his Flora, which relate to the presence of certain species in various Scottish localities: Erica cinerea in Sutherland, Solanum nigrum at Craigmillar & Epidendrum alpinum in Dumresshire, Hymenophyllum wilsonii in Loch Lomond & Typha angustifolia in Lochmaben.

Recipient is to stay with CD;

sender relates some observations of dogs and birds, to be passed on to CD.

Charmed by Huxley’s letter of appreciation [8873].

Lady Lyell’s sudden death.

JDH thanks Lady Hyacinth Jardine [later Hooker] for her letters & for sending Primulas etc. He will look into Pinguicula [to send in return?]. JDH identifies a grass as Sesleria Caerulea for Sir William Jardine & requests some for RBG Kew. George Henslow [JDH's brother in law] is still paralysed. JDH asks where he should send a postal order for the Jardine's gardener. JDH relates the circumstances of Lady Lyell's death & his visit to see her lying in her coffin. Her husband Charles Lyell is grieving whilst still working on the new edition of his book THE ANTIQUITY OF MAN, with Miss Buckley. The Lyells hope that Hyacinth's father [William Samuel Symonds] will bury Mrs Lyell at Woking beside Mr Horner. JDH's wife Frances has returned from Down House & is still unwell. JDH recounts the current whereabouts & activities of his children: Harriet Anne Hooker is in Cheltenham with her great aunt, William Henslow Hooker continues with the fiddle, & Charles Paget Hooker has spent his holiday with Barnard at Cheltenham.

No summary available.