No summary available.

JDH has a cold. He writes to thank Asa Gray for the SYNOPTICAL FLORA SUPPLEMENT. JDH is glad Gray is working on Ranunculaceae again & hopes he will 'gallop through Thalamiflorae'. JDH is working on Laurineae, he discusses his classification of Litsaeaceae under a single genera: Lindera. If [George] Bentham [GB] had tried to understand Laurineae the GENERA PLANTARUM would not be complete, it requires the patient analysis JDH is better at. JDH assumed GB did the ones for [Robert] Schomburgk & [Richard] Spruce. The obscure, tropical arborescent Orders are hard work but Gray has his own difficulties with Compositae. JDH is printing Indian Polygonums. JDH comments on the absence of a willow in Gray's MANUAL OF THE BOTANY OF THE NORTHERN UNITED STATES which may already have been published in Anderson's Monograph in De Candolle Prodromus depending on what the correct relative dates of publication are. Also comments on [John Merle] Coulter's Rocky Mountain flora & the definition of an alpine plant. Discusses who should replace [John] Lubbock as President of the Linnean Society, JDH does not want the job himself, he thinks it should be William Thiselton-Dyer but will more likely be [William] Carruthers. D. Jackson's biographical notice of GB is unsatisfactory. JDH wrote to [Mary Louisa Wallon] encouraging her to spend some of the money she inherited from her uncle [GB] supporting the Linnean & Royal Societies. JDH lists some of the works in a botanical library that is being sold, it once belonged to his friend Mr Watson Taylor, an amateur botanical artist. He suggests St. Louis may buy them, JDH is considering a price of about £500 but will consult Wheldon. JDH asks if Sargent is right to call Gray one of the "immortal 8" of the French Academy.

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.

No summary available.

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.