JDH informs Sir William Turner Thiselton-Dyer [WTTD] that he will be happy to publish the Pisum, brought to his attention by [Isaac Henry] Burkill, in the BOTANICAL MAGAZINE of Apr 1900, if Miss [Matilda] Smith. JDH has written to Lord Rayleigh objecting to the building of a laboratory on a site close to the boundary wall of TBG Kew on account of the fact that it would be an eyesore for those in the Gardens. JDH recommends that Richmond & WTTD also intervene in the matter. JDH laments the death of one of his oldest friends [Sir James] Paget, he recalls botanising with him in their teens & serving as examiners together for the Army, Navy & East India Company. JDH offers to show WTTD a book of 'the pictures at Yarmouth'.

JDH writes that he is returning an initialled 'transfer' to Sir William Turner Thiselton-Dyer [WTTD]. He reports that he is recovering from his illness though still unsteady on his feet & suffering with a rash. He is glad to hear WTTD has recovered from a severe chill. He worries that [Edgar William] Foster will over exert himself. JDH rejoices that the collection of [James Edward] Winterbottom has come to RBG Kew, JDH had previously tried to get it from Winterbottom's brother, whom he also spoke to about Winterbottom's neglected tomb, which JDH visited in Rhodes. [William Botting] Hemsley informed JDH of the death of [Adrien René] Franchet, a great loss for the herbarium. JDH saw the notice of [Adolf] Ernest's death in the GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. JDH is concerned for [George] Nicholson & recommends he see [Doctor Philip Henry] Pye-Smith. JDH has heard of further magnificent collections sent to RBG Kew by [Augustine] Henry.

JDH writes to Sir William Thiselton-Dyer [WTTD] about his continued poor health. He is suffering with a bad skin complaint; 'phlegmasia', & describes his symptoms & the treatments used. He mentions reports written by [Dr. Philip Henry] Pye-Smith a skin specialist, in relation to the health of [George] Nicholson. Also mentions a letter he has received from [Otto] Stapf & a theory WTTD has about skin afflictions following a certain other, unspecified disease. JDH sympathises with WTTD's recurrent evening 'febrile attacks'.

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JDH praises Sir William Turner Thiselton-Dyer's [WTTD's] vindication of the position of RBG Kew, though he fears they will still not get much from the treasury unless [Neville] Chamberlain can be made to understand their situation. He instructs that WTTD should at least lobby for a fire proof building for the collections, & should prepare a plan for same. JDH has visited [Sir Richard] Strachey & found his health improved though he is still feeble. JDH believes that [William Thomas] Blanford should be honoured for his contributions to the study of zoology & geology in India, Persia & Abyssinia [Ethiopia]. JDH intends to propose Blanford for a Royal [Society] medal with WTTD's backing. Blanford has received the Wollaston Medal of the Geological Society but in JDH's opinion should be offered companionship of an order such as the Star of India, KCSI, or Order of the Indian Empire, KCIE. JDH has left [John Stevens] Henslow's microscope for WTTD & assumes that [George] Bentham's microscope is in the museum. WTTD is going on holiday to Poole, JDH suggests he visits [Alfred Russel] Wallace who lives near Parkstone Station. JDH mentions having dedicating the BOTANICAL MAGAZINE to [David] Prain & uncertainty over what tile Prain holds as an army medical officer because of the conventions of the War Office. JDH asks if WTTD would like to buy a Wedgewood medallion of Sir William Herschel which JDH asked the company to reproduce.

JDH informs Sir William Turner Thiselton-Dyer [WTTD] that [John Firminger] Duthie has sent JDH a collection of Kumaon Impatiens, including new species. JDH thanks WTTD for sending him the answer to the Committee on Kew and the British Museum [of Natural History]. JDH plans to have lunch with [Dietrich] Brandis. JDH offers to give the [RBG Kew] the microscope used by [John Stevens] Henslow. Praises the paper [Albert] Gunther has written on the [William John] Swainson letters & expresses intention to do something similar himself for [George] Bentham's correspondence.

JDH gives his opinion on Sir William Turner Thiselton-Dyer's [WTTD's] account of [Thomas Henry] Huxley, his only criticism is that there could have been greater emphasis put on Huxley being the greatest champion of Darwin's theory amongst evolutionists. JDH thinks it right that Huxley stopped writing when he did as it became clear he was 'used up'. JDH also writes that he is returning WTTD's letter to the German Embassy with his full approval. The weather has caused JDH's health to deteriorate & he is unable to come to RBG Kew this week, he apologies for any inconvenience to the 'Trust'.

JDH thanks Sir William Turner Thiselton-Dyer [WTTD] for his note about Plagius gandiflorus, he plans to publish the species in the BOTANICAL MAGAZINE. JDH describes his impressions of the coronation of Edward VII which he attended. He had a front row seat in the nave with the other G.C.s [Knights Grand Cross of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath?]. Lady Strachey was very impressed by the blue mantle & star that JDH wore, her husband Dick [Richard Strachey] would not accompany her to the Coronation. JDH also saw Harry [Henry] Johnston but few other people he knew. JDH apologises that he is unable to visit WTTD whilst Mrs Boycott is staying with the Thiselton-Dyers. JDH is busier than ever in his old age, the Woodwards are coming for a visit & he is working on a sketch of his father [William Jackson Hooker's] life as well as that permanent 'man-trap' the BOTANICAL MAGAZINE. JDH complains briefly about the railway journey to Richmond. He adds that he is sending some newspaper cuttings [not present] that WTTD may want. Also thanks WTTD for information on Gelsemiums.

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JDH suspects that it was [William] Aiton & [Robert] who arranged the transfer of [Francis] Bauer's drawings to the Botanical Department of the British Museum. JDH recalls a Miss Alderson who was a frequent visitor to his Aunt Palgrave, JDH's cousins Francis Turner Palgrave & William Gifford Palgrave were both in love with her - 'the Passionate Pilgrim'. JDH has spent a month working on Impatiens balsamina, a native of the Devon peninsula which has many forms he is painstakingly dissecting in water & then mounting. He also mentions working hard on Madras [Chennai] herbarium specimens for which labour he could use the assistance of the drawings Harriet Thiselton-Dyer is doing. JDH thanks Sir William Turner Thiselton-Dyer for sending a photo of 'the house'. Despite having bandaged legs JDH has been to see the sketches from the British Antarctic Discover expedition , he declares them the best from any naval expedition & particularly praises the ornithological drawings of Dr [Edward Adrian] Wilson.

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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.

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.

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.