JDH informs William Thiselton-Dyer that he has had a letter from Sir Henry Barkly [Governor of Cape Colony] urging the completion of FLORA CAPENSIS & suggesting that Peter MacOwan, an experienced Cape botanist, be sent to England for a year to accomplish this. JDH passes on MacOwan's feelings on the subject & asks for Thiselton-Dyer's opinion. He also asks if Thiselton-Dyer will be able to describe any families for a flora of India.
Transcript
I had with him on this subject 2 years ago, I know that he distrusts his powers, & of course the time, a year is absurd.
It has however struck me that if you still hope to continue that work & to begin soon, it might be as well to get Mr MacOwan [1 word crossed out, illeg.] home to undertake some Orders & assist in arranging
ROYAL GARDENS KEW
June 23/[18]71
My dear Sir *1
I have a letter from Sir H[enry]. Barkly *2 urging the completion of Flora Capensis *3, & stating that it is suggested in the Colony that Mr P[eter]. MacOwan *4 should be sent to England for a year to effect this. My opinion of Mr MacOwans capability for such a task is very high, but from some correspondence
I had with him on this subject 2 years ago, I know that he distrusts his powers, & of course the time, a year is absurd.
It has however struck me that if you still hope to continue that work & to begin soon, it might be as well to get Mr MacOwan [1 word crossed out, illeg.] home to undertake some Orders & assist in arranging
the materials for work. in towards which his great experience of Cape Botany would come in well[?]. Before however answering Sir H.B. I am anxious to know your wishes & prospects in reference to this Flora, of which, as you know, I would rejoice to see you undertake the completion.
Ve[r]y sincerely y[our]s | Jos. D. Hooker[signature]
Can you soon undertake any families for Flora of India?
1. Sir William Turner Thiselton-Dyer (1843--1928). British botanist and third Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (1885--1905). He succeeded Joseph Hooker in the role after serving as his Assistant Director for ten years. He also married Hooker's eldest daughter Harriet in 1877.
2. Sir Henry Barkly (1815--1898). British politician, colonial governor and patron of the sciences. Governor of Cape Colony and British High Commissioner for South Africa from 1870--1877.
3. Harvey, Sonder & Thiselton-Dyer (1859--1933), Flora Capensis: being a systematic description of the plants of the Cape colony, Caaffaria & Port Natal (and neighbouring territories), Kent: L.Reeve
4. Peter MacOwan (1830--1909). British colonial botanist and teacher in South Africa.
Please note that work on this transcript is ongoing. Users are advised to study electronic image(s) of this document where possible.
Powered by Aetopia