JDH critiques the work of Alphonse de Candolle. His MONOGRAPHIAE PHANEROGAMARUM does not accord with JDH's revision of the Phanerogams. JDH recognises that he has worked hard at botany, though he is wealthy enough not to have needed to. However, he finds that de Candolle's treatment of plant distribution GÉOGRAPHIE BOTANIQUE RAISONNÉE shows a lack of deep understanding of the subject & is more a collection of useful data than an attempt to reach any conclusions. JDH asks if Alphonse de Candolle is dead. JDH has had no answer to his letter to Carriere[?]. [George] Bentham has completed work on the Australian Enocaulaceae & JDH is reviewing them to determine which ones are Indian species. JDH suggests that de Candolle's systematic work does not compare favourable with those of Asa Gray, Antoine Jusseau & George Bentham but if de Candolle is dead them JDH will take on de Candolle's systematic work.
Transcript
Nov[ember] 4 [18]/93
THE CAMP,
SUNNINGDALE.
My dear Dyer*1
You may care to see the Enclosed -- I very much relish having an Avenue in Calcutta Gardens named after the Hookers.
I am quite ready for a few small rock--plants. if you can spare them please send by Rail. I am always loaded, especially with Clarke's bulky collections, every sheet of which wants careful Exam -- His Grasses are splendidly well collected.
E[ve]r aff[ectionatel]y y[our]s | J. D. Hooker
Nov[ember] 4 [18]/93
THE CAMP,
SUNNINGDALE.
My dear Dyer*1
You may care to see the Enclosed -- I very much relish having an Avenue in Calcutta Gardens named after the Hookers.
I am quite ready for a few small rock--plants. if you can spare them please send by Rail. I am always loaded, especially with Clarke's bulky collections, every sheet of which wants careful Exam -- His Grasses are splendidly well collected.
E[ve]r aff[ectionatel]y y[our]s | J. D. Hooker
*2 31 plants sent
17--XI--93
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. The wording from here to the end of the letter is written in a different hand.
Please note that work on this transcript is ongoing. Users are advised to study electronic image(s) of this document where possible.
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