JDH writes to inform Sir William Turner Thiselton-Dyer that, sue to illness, he is unable to come to the herbarium as planned. JDH is reading [James Anthony] Froude's OCEANA, Froude is a fan of the Australian gardens. JDH has received a letter from Asa Gray, whose only news is that he is starting work on the Ranunculaceae for the American Flora, JDH thinks Gray will find the Thalamiflorae easy.

JDH thanks Sir William Turner Thiselton-Dyer [WTTD] for his letter & mentions a geological [society?] dinner. JDH describes his contentment with his short commute from the Camp in Sunningdale. He is not surprised that the [RBG Kew Directors'] House needs a lot of work as it has not been renovated in over 100 years & the basement used to flood regularly, but JDH is surprised that WTTD would have to pay for any repairs. He discusses the practicality of WTTD combining the 2 studies in the house. JDH concedes that WTTD may need to go to the 'Liver's' [for new livery?] but hopes that his old herbarium sword & coat will still be usable. JDH offers to write to Welby, on WTTD & [Algernon Freemna-]Mitford's behalf, about the imprudence of giving Byrne any power. JDH will dine with the X club on Thursday & then join WTTD at the Athenaeum Club. He hopes to come to Kew on Monday.