JDH reports that he & [Thomas Henry] Huxley are enjoying their time in France. He asks Thiselton-Dyer how his class is going [Thiselton-Dyer took over Huxley's summer course in elementary biology in 1873 as Huxley was away for his health]. JDH & Huxley have been studying a volcanic phenomenon [volcanic plug] & subsequent glacial action. JDH finds the scenery beautiful. Although the flora is diverse he is not collecting plants. Asks Thiselton-Dyer to tell Daniel Oliver he prefers Le Puy to Nuremberg & to pass on any messages from Oliver or [John] Smith.
Transcript
Le Puy[-de-Veney, France]
J[ul]y 16 / [18]73
Dear Dyer*1
Mr [Thomas Henry] Huxley, who is really remarkably well, & I, have been enjoying ourselves very much -- & find this Central France extraordinarily full of interest.-- We are both very anxious to know how you are getting on with your class*2, & would
Le Puy[-de-Veney, France]
J[ul]y 16 / [18]73
Dear Dyer*1
Mr [Thomas Henry] Huxley, who is really remarkably well, & I, have been enjoying ourselves very much -- & find this Central France extraordinarily full of interest.-- We are both very anxious to know how you are getting on with your class*2, & would
be much obliged if you could find time to let us know, by ever so few lines, directed to Poste restante Grenoble.
The Volcanic phenomena here far exceed our expectations in point of interest, & we have found indications of subsequent Glacial Action which as far as we can find out have never been observed --: but it is
too soon to say any thing[sic] about this. The Scenery is often beautiful, wild & picturesque, almost grand, & the Flora most varied and beautiful. I should much like to Botanize, but am too lazy to dig plants & the carriage here would be very troublesome.
Please tell [Daniel] Oliver that I am charmed with the country & its teachings -- Le Puy is one of the most away[?] places I ever saw & beats Nuremberg hollow taken
all in all. If Oliver or Mr [John] Smith has any thing protracted[?] to say please let me know -- with Mr Huxley's kind regards.
Most sincerely y[our]s | Jos. D. Hooker[signature]
*3 Professor Dyer FLS
Herbarium
Kew
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 previously held professorships at the Royal Agricultural College Cirencester, Royal College of Science for Ireland and Royal Horticultural Society. He married Hooker's eldest daughter Harriet in 1877.
2. In 1873 Thiselton-Dyer took over Huxley's summer course in elementary biology at South Kensington as Huxley was away for his health
3. The wording from here to the end of the letter is written upside down after the signature on page 4.
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