From J. D. Hooker   16 June 1877

Dear Darwin

When I wrote to you in re Emperor, I stupidly forgot that you were from home— pray keep away!—

I think that the old gentleman’s brains are addled. For the last 3 years or more he has been gadding about, stuffing his long-suffering calvarium with facts new & old of all sorts of sorts; & he is I think used up.¹ I thought him much changed—washed out in short, & I feel sure that you would not have the same interest in seeing him that all had 3 years ago, when he was eager, fresh & full of intelligent enquiry

Ever affly yrs | J D Hooker