Hooker, Sir Joseph Dalton
JHC533
The Camp, Sunningdale, Berkshire, United Kingdom
JDH/2/16 f.175
Thiselton-Dyer, Sir William Turner
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
12-8-1902
© Descendants of Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker
Letters to Thiselton-Dyer
The Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
English
Original MS
4 page letter over 1 folio
 

JDH thanks Sir William Turner Thiselton-Dyer [WTTD] for his note about Plagius gandiflorus, he plans to publish the species in the BOTANICAL MAGAZINE. JDH describes his impressions of the coronation of Edward VII which he attended. He had a front row seat in the nave with the other G.C.s [Knights Grand Cross of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath?]. Lady Strachey was very impressed by the blue mantle & star that JDH wore, her husband Dick [Richard Strachey] would not accompany her to the Coronation. JDH also saw Harry [Henry] Johnston but few other people he knew. JDH apologises that he is unable to visit WTTD whilst Mrs Boycott is staying with the Thiselton-Dyers. JDH is busier than ever in his old age, the Woodwards are coming for a visit & he is working on a sketch of his father [William Jackson Hooker's] life as well as that permanent 'man-trap' the BOTANICAL MAGAZINE. JDH complains briefly about the railway journey to Richmond. He adds that he is sending some newspaper cuttings [not present] that WTTD may want. Also thanks WTTD for information on Gelsemiums.

Transcript

with a star on it as big as a soap plate, but Lady Strachey*2 greatly admired it! Dick S[trachey]. *3 would not come! I met Harry Johnston*4, but hardly another friend, though some people spoke to me.
I am very sorry that I cannot get to you whilst Mrs Boycott[?] is with you -- Today the Woodwards'[sic] are coming, & I am tied by the by with this sketch of my father's life & labours -- it is a very disjointed affair & open to no end of criticism in arrangement & style. Our Railway has made the getting to Richmond more tedious than ever
Perhaps you wish the newspaper cuttings enclosed; if not put them in the little basket.
I seem to get more and more occupied the older I grow, I shall have no holiday this year.
Ever affe[ctionatel]y yours | JDHooker [signature]

Page 1


Aug[ust] 12 1902
The Camp, Sunningdale
My Dear Dyer*1
I am really obliged for your note about Plagius grandiflorus. The plant puzzled me, & I lost a good deal of time over it.; for it does not agree with De Candolle's description. I am sending for fresh specimens for Bot[anical]. Mag[azine].
I was very much impressed with the Coronation affair. We left the house we were staying at, at about 8 &, were set down at the Abbey at 9.30, we had front seats in the nave, where the G.C.s[Knight Grand Cross of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath?] were located,

Page 2

the procession passing us at little more than hand-shake distance: but the weather was so gloomy & the windows of the abbey so blocked, that the diamonds did not sparkle. The variety of costumes was very striking, their gorgeousness was depressing -- The Lords[?] Peers' coronets the most hideous head-gear conceivable. & the caps of maintenance little better, the crowns were very becoming -- though the jewels did not scintillate, for want of light of course we saw nothing of the ceremony, the "Theatre" being crammed with the nobility &c &c The cheering was both hearty and solemn:-- very effective. My blue mantle was a horrid nuisance,

Page 3

with a star on it as big as a soap plate, but Lady Strachey*2 greatly admired it! Dick S[trachey]. *3 would not come! I met Harry Johnston*4, but hardly another friend, though some people spoke to me.
I am very sorry that I cannot get to you whilst Mrs Boycott[?] is with you -- Today the Woodwards'[sic] are coming, & I am tied by the by with this sketch of my father's life & labours -- it is a very disjointed affair & open to no end of criticism in arrangement & style. Our Railway has made the getting to Richmond more tedious than ever
Perhaps you wish the newspaper cuttings enclosed; if not put them in the little basket.
I seem to get more and more occupied the older I grow, I shall have no holiday this year.
Ever affe[ctionatel]y yours | JDHooker [signature]

Page 4

Thanks very for information about Gelsemiums -- Bot[anical]. Mag[azine]. is a man-trap & I feel it on both ankles.

ENDNOTES


1. Sir William 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. Lady Jane Strachey (1840--1928). Formerly Jane Maria Grant. The second wife of Lieutenant-General Sir Richard Strachey (1817--1908).
3. Lieutenant-General Sir Richard Strachey (1817--1908). British soldier and Indian administrator who became chairman of the meteorological council of the Royal Society in 1853.
4. Sir Henry [Harry] Hamilton Johnston (1858--1927). British explorer, botanist, linguist, and colonial administrator.

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