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Showing 101–120 of 199 items
The Joseph Dalton Hooker Collection
The Joseph Dalton Hooker Correspondence Project at Kew is making available online the personal and scientific correspondence of the botanist and explorer Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker (1817–1911), Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens’ Kew from 1865-1885. The project was conceived by staff of The University of Sussex and Kew's Library, Art and Archive department and began as a partnership between Kew and the University of Sussex's Centre for World Environmental History. It has been made possible by support from the Stevenson Family Charitable Trust. Letter summaries can be searched through Ɛpsilon, with links to images and transcriptions at the project site at Kew (https://www.kew.org/explore-our-collections/correspondence-collections/joseph-hooker-collections).
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JDH writes to Sir William Turner Thiselton-Dyer [WTTD] regarding [David] Prain's selection as a Fellow of the Royal Society, he particularly mentions that Charles Darwin was impressed by Prain & advocated his selection along with JDH. JDH also secured Prain the support of [Sir Michael] Foster but [Dunkinfield Henry] Scott probably supported [Francis Wall] Oliver. JDH criticises the behaviour of [Sir Dietrich] Brandis in trying to swap Prain's candidature in favour of [Otto] Stapf adding that he has always disliked Brandis & his approach to Indian botany. JDH praises [Perceval] Landon's book LHASA & adds that he is keen to hear about the botanical collection Prain is to receive from the expedition Landon was part of, [British Military Expedition to Lhasa, Tibet 1903-1904]. JDH mentions his opinion that the Government will be scared into giving up the Tibetan pass of Chumbi which they had occupied. JDH also reflects on the life of Dufferin [Frederick Hamilton-Temple-Blackwood, 1st Marquess of Dufferin and Ava] whose biography he is reading. He recommends WTTD read THE NORTHWESTERN PROVINCES OF INDIA by W. Crooker, 1897, & THE POET GRAY AS A NATURALIST BY edited by [Charles Eliot] Norton. JDH also mentions Algernon Bertam Freeman-Mitford's speech & photographing a sketch of David Douglas for the 'young mens' reading room'. He reports that [George] King's work on Effuseae is slow & he is seeking advice from Genoa.
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JDH writes to Sir William Turner Thiselton-Dyer [WTTD] concerned about his health. JDH believes that WTTD has overworked himself and needs relief. JDH understands that Sir David Prain might be employed should the Secretary of State for India allow it and JDH asks if he can be of any help by giving the Secretary of the Board of Agriculture his point of view on the matter. JDH says that he would assure the Secretary that he was working for the interests of Kew as much as for a family member [i.e. his son in law WTTD]. Advises WTTD to go to the Ferns to await developments, which JDH will advise him of by telegraph.
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JDH was not able to get to Kew the day before. James Bryce attended & was keen to do as much as possible for RBG Kew and for Sir David Prain. JDH talks about his dislike for the government & the political parties. He says politicians have to be persuaded to vote, whilst they are having long tea parties on the terrace for the ladies. He believes the Parliament is demoralised. Bryce agreed. JDH informs Sir William Turner Thiselton-Dyer that Mrs Sabina Paisley's cousin a General Smith lives near Cheltenham & wishes to make WTTD & Harriet's acquaintance. A Captain Smith, formerly of the Indian army Transport Corps, is being invited to Sunningdale to meet with JDH's son, Joseph Symonds Hooker. JDH is working again on the Chinese Balsams.
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JDH thanks Sir William Turner Thiselton-Dyer for sending him views of his old home West Park. He reports that Brian [William Hooker, his grandson] has left The Camp despite hearing that 'the India appointment' has been filled. JDH shies away from writing his memoirs but will overcome his aversion & do so at WTTD's suggestion, Lady Hooker already writes down passages of her early life. Dick [Richard Symonds Hooker] has just met a friend of WTTD's, Mr Muirhead, whilst playing a role in a pastoral play. JDH is working on Malayan Balsams but finds they are so succulent & with such minute anthers that they are difficult to work with. Laurence Austine Waddell has presented JDH with a copy of his book 'LHASA AND ITS MYSTERIES - WITH A RECORD OF THE BRITISH TIBETAN EXPEDITION OF 1903-1904'. JDH admires the work & the photographs in it, he wishes there has been a naturalist with the expedition & thinks WTTD should mention the lack to the Indian Government.
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JDH writes to Sir William Turner Thiselton-Dyer [WTTD] that he is sorry for [Otto] Stapf's 'intentions' [to apply for a job in the botany department of the Natural History Museum, London] and JDH hopes that he will not be successful. Comments that [Alfred] Rendle is a good systematic botanist and has been on the [Natural History] Museum staff for 17 years so it is only fair that he gets the job. Thanks WTTD for telling him about Brian [Brian Harvey Hodgson Hooker - his fifth child] and agrees with every word. JDH says that he has put Brian on an 'existence allowance' to help with clothing for him, his wife and children. School bills are also sent to JDH & he pays to keep & educate Frances. Says he would be surprised if Brian gets any employment though his wife may find something for him. JDH reports that he is off to Sidmouth the next day. Says that [Captain Robert] Scott has sent him the 2 volumes of his book [presumably THE VOYAGE OF THE DISCOVERY].