JDH discusses exchanging plants with Lady Hyacinth Jardine [later Hooker]. He would be glad to accept large quantities of Gualtheria [Gaultheria] Shallon & instructs how they should be selected & packed for transport. He would also like some Rhododendron hybrids, Primula farinosa & roots of Typha angustifolia for the pond. JDH recommends that Sir William [Jardine] cultivate small palms. JDH plans to take his wife Frances Hooker [née Henslow] to the south of France & hopes the warmer climate will help her recovery from influenza. If the Jardine's gardener can supply it JDH would like moss for packing & Sphagnum for orchids & will send plants in exchange.
Transcript
Kew
March 5/[18]73
Dear Lady Jardine *1
I am very much gratified to know that the plants pleased you. I shall be most thankful for any quantity of Gualtheria[sic] *2 Shallon, with which I want to fill several beds. I should indeed be glad of hampers'--full, & would pay for having them carefully lifted lifted. The plants should
Kew
March 5/[18]73
Dear Lady Jardine *1
I am very much gratified to know that the plants pleased you. I shall be most thankful for any quantity of Gualtheria[sic] *2 Shallon, with which I want to fill several beds. I should indeed be glad of hampers'--full, & would pay for having them carefully lifted lifted. The plants should
not be too large, & the root fibres should be carefully wrapped 'round the root, & the plants packed amongst damp moss. Some Rhododendron hybrids would also be acceptable -- but not too big.
Also for Primula farinosa, & a hamper of the roots of Typha angustifolia for the pond.
So you see we can have a profitable exchange.
I would recommend[?] the
culture of small Palms to Sir William they are so very pretty & interesting both in the House & for table decoration.
Frances sends her love & though much tempted by a visit to you: must resist in favor[sic] of a Southern Climate at this season. She has had a horrid influenza & longs for a warming & sunning -- which I fear you can offer in heart only -- & for which I must take her to S[outh] of France.
If your Gardener has good moss for packing; or good Sphagnum (bog. moss) for orchids -- we should be
most thankful for a quantity; which might come with the Gualtheria[sic]. We shall be glad to exchange plants for really good moss.
With united love | Yours | J.D. Hooker [signature]
1. Lady Hyacinth Jardine (1842--1921). Wife of Sir William Jardine; 6th Baronet of Applegirth and distinguished naturalist. She was widowed in 1874 and married Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker in 1876.
2. The correct spelling is Gaultheria.
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