To John Gould 26 June 1854

My dear Sir,

I am very much obliged to you for your aid & kind suggestions about the shades. I had not thought of the difference in expense though. I had lately received from the Kew Curator a list of shade prices. The fact is I have had several of the flat glass covers prepared in my own house lately out of samples of glass I had by me, & it never occurred to me to calculate what the real difference might be between the cost of one sort of shade & another. I am most obliged to you for the list. Moreover I like the plan of keeping the albinos & hybrids apart. The day of Dr Hooker's return (Friday) was signalised by the presentation to him (just before midnight) of a fine little girl. Mrs H. & daughter going on well - with many thanks for your trouble & advice believe me.

Very truly Yrs

J. S. Henslow