JDH discusses the displeasure of John Smith, Curator of the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, at his proposed removal from the Curator's House to a more manageable dwelling, such as Baker or Taylor's house, owing to Smith's illness. JDH has explained to Smith that the plan is to keep him on as Curator, even if he cannot walk, but hire an Assistant Curator to help him, & that these measures are being taken in the hope of prolonging Smith's life. JDH reports that Smith blamed one Mr Curndale for being deceitful about the matter & claimed he had heard rumours the job had been offered to Dunne or someone else whose legs worked, through the Duke of Buccleugh [Buccleuch]. JDH suggests this rumour may have arisen if the Duke spoke to Noel or Mitford [of the Office of Works] about the post on Dunne's behalf. JDH suspects Smith's wife is causing trouble over the matter & it has appeared in the Richmond papers. JDH has just received an invitation to the funeral of his niece, Willielma Campbell née Hooker at St George's Church, close to the Hotel JDH will be staying at [Royal Hotel].