To J. D. Hooker   23 May [1863]

My dear Hooker

You can confer a real service on a good man, John Scott, the writer of the enclosed letter, by reading it & giving me your opinion.—¹ I assure John Scott is a truly remarkable man.— The part struck out is merely that he is not comfortable under M^r. Macnab,² & this part must be considered as private. Now question is what think of you of the offer? Is expence of living high at Darjeeling? I may say it is healthy?— Will he find opportunity for experimental observations which are a passion with him.? It seems to me rather low pay. Will you advise me for him?—³

I shall say that as far as experiments in hand at Bot. Garden in Edinburgh are concerned, it would be a pity to hesitate to accept the offer.—⁴ J. Scott is head of propagating department. I know you will not grudge aiding by your advice a good man.— I shall tell him that I have not slightest power to aid him in any way for appointment—

Yours affec^ly | C. Darwin

I sh^d. think voyage out & home ought to be paid for??