From Joseph Hooker   14 May 1881

Kew

May 14 /81.

My dear Baron

I am in receipt of yours of 5/2/81, asking about the well-being of the Livistona australis:¹ — it is alive & there is every reason to expect that it will continue to live, & eventually become a fine plant — but the evolution of fully formed leaves & of a crown of them will I fear be a very long affair, and will disappoint the nurserymen.

You ask about the results of the many packets of seeds which you have from time to time sent us — these have yielded a large harvest of plants, but as in the case of all tropical countries it is a very small portion that are worth cultivation, & still fewer worth figuring. Many are shrubs that only flower after getting old & then have very inconspicuous flowers. I today saw a pretty little Sollya (from you) coming into flower, which may I hope be worth figuring.

You ask me to allow you to finish the N. Queensland Flora.² I only hope that you will do so, I have not the smallest intention of meddling with it & never had. I was not aware that Hill had gone collecting for Kew — but am glad to hear that we may expect some Palms from him.

The red var. of Correa Lawrenciana looks well & will doubtless flower: — though I cannot believe it would be hardy with us. No australian or Tasmanian plant is hardy in S. of England: a few as Eucalyptus Gunnii withstand, or rather exist under our atrocious climate — but none thrive & no Correa would stand a single winter.

I was not aware of the value of Pilocarpus in diptheria.³

I have received the new Edition of "Select Plants"⁴ from Sydney, with many thanks

Ever sincerly yr

Jos D Hooker

Livistona australis

Sollya

Correa Lawrenciana

Eucalyptus Gunnii

Pilocarpus