DARJEELING. April 28. 1848. (recd. June 22.)*1 My dearest Mother, I find myself unexpectedly overtaken by the Post-day for England: it is 5 days earlier to me than to other persons in this locality, because Dr. Falconer*2 kindly undertakes to receive my letters at Calcutta[Kolkata] (thus saving me the heavy Inland Postage), and to despatch them from thence. By next mail I will send my Journal, now in course of being copied: the Niger Flora, which, tell my father, I am extremely sorry, and sincerely beg his pardon, for having detained so long; also the conclusion of Spicilegia Tasmanica, and some drawings of Darjeeling Plants, which will astonish him. Three of them are Magnolias, one of which has a flower nearly as large and of the color of the Victoria Water-Lily. Three Rhododendrons, one is the most lovely and sweet scented thing imaginable, an epiphyte with huge white bells, - another is white with unexampled foliage: and a third is scarlet. Hodgson*3, (long the Political Resident at Katmandu), assures me (and Campbell*4 does the same), that neither grows in Nepal. All three are different from the Bootan species of Griffith's*5 which are described by Wight*6, in MacClellan's*7 Journal (last

Number). The Magnolias are immense trees; and so is the large-leaved Rhododendron. Of the former I have not succeeded in identifying young plants; but I have of the latter, and forwarded them to Calcutta[Kolkata]. If it were not for the Greenock like climate, this would be a very fine place, and I enjoy it much, for the vegetation is truly superb. I have been shabbily treated here, for the first time since arriving in India,- but I spare you the particulars, especially as I am assured the individual, of whom I have cause to complain, is generally considered a selfish man. On the other hand, I have received great hospitality from people of inferior standing in this place; and I have lots of invitations from the Lieut. Governor of the N. West province down to the smallest Resident at Native Courts, offering to transport me through his dominions if I will but go. One proposed to send Elephants, another Camels, and a third a Body-guard and Horses. The poney[sic] I rode hither was lent me by Mr. Hodgson, who would have received me at his cottage, but that he is ill. I am now living in 2 small apartments at the top of the hill, for which I apy pay £4 a month, and find myself in everything: sharing expenses with a Mr. Barnes*8, a nice quiet fellow, who has a good establishment, and with whose brother I was acquainted at Colgong. Dr. Campbell, the Political Resident at Darjeeling, is well versed in all Thibetan[Tibetan] and Frontier affairs: he has given me

much information on these subjects, and on the vegetation of the countries beyond the snow, which he has learned from the Thibetans, who came hither through the snowy Passes. No locality can be better than this for obtaining particulars in such matters: and the place is extremely inviting; but I fear that even Lord Dalhousie's*9 influence will not enable me to accomplish my wish of visiting the snow. I have written to him, however, on the subject. I received a most kind letter from Lord Dalhousie the other day: it began, "Dear Hooker," and ended with assurance that he had felt great delight in serving a kinsman of mine, while he bestowed the appointment upon Gurney*10, to which he considered my uncle's talents, claims, and character, well entitled him. Now, give my love to my dear grandmother, and say that I send these particulars for her own private ear. I wish I had time to write her all about Gurney: he is thin, but perfectly well, and full of spirits and energy. The carrying his election was a grand triumph. The opposition ran very high: the Military Secretary and I cannot tell who all were in favor of Dr. Cantor (Wallich's*11 nephew), whose claims I cannot but own, were equal, if not superior, to Gurney's. His friend, Dr. Bell*12, is a grand ally, and, except myself, the only person of influence I believe in his favour. I am truly sorry to hear that poor Dawson*13 continues unwell. I hope to address him by next mail; but my hands are very

full of work: he wrote me a long and most kind letter. I feel extremely anxious to hear of Gifford Palgrave*14, and have applied to Gurney for news. The Duke of Cambridge's interference with Lord Falkland*15 in his behalf will prove perfectly effectual, I cannot doubt: and, if Gifford has health, he is a made man. I spoke in his favour to Lord Dalhousie; but for reasons, which it is needless to explain to you, the Governors never like interfering with the patronage which others have to bestow. I hear that Fane looks thin, and more sorry to know that Lord Dalhousie is overworking himself. Lady Dalhousie is well: she is now at Barrackpore; where the little dog, Beaulieu, which I have described to you, has taken to hunting Jackall Cubs a feat which Skye will never perform. My father will receive Himalayan plants forthwith. Dr. Falconer is most kind, and has taken all manner of trouble for me: he offers me a Collector at the cost of Calcutta[Kolkata] garden, if I will let him collect a set of living and dead plants for the E.I.C.[East India Company] Garden. But, as I arranged before quitting England, and explained, as I believe, to my father, it seems but fair, that, if the Director of the Calcutta[Kolkata] establishment receives and repacks all the plants for Kew, free of charge, he should receive a share for himself, as a gift from the Commissioners of Woods and Forests. The 2 baskets, now sent, will come to at least £2; and I hope to trouble Dr. Falconer with many such. To forward them straight from hence to England, through the

heat of this season and the rain of the next, were sheer folly; and, as it is, many of the plants must rot, ere they reach Calcutta[Kolkata], - a 10 days' or fortnights' journey. My collectors, (Dr. Falconer has procured two for me) are not yet here, but I expect them daily. He will kindly forward at once to Kew the collection hitherto made, and which has, before this time, arrived in Calcutta[Kolkata]. I cannot precisely expect that my father will be staggered with the amount of my collections; but he will perceive I have done my very best. Tell Dr. Mr Berkeley*16 I am drawing Fungi for him. I am anxious to receive the box of instruments from Adre Adye: and if it is not already sent to me, I would wish it to be forwarded immediately and overland, provided that £5 will cover the expense. If it is directed "to the care of the Governor General of India, at Calcutta[Kolkata]," and marked "Glass Instruments, with care," and consigned to Barber & Co., the matter will be satisfactorily arranged and the things will come with all safety. Many thanks for your punctual correspondence. I receive all your letters regularly; and I thank you heartily for the intelligence you send me. I am rejoiced to hear of Harvey's*17 Election. My old friend, Captain F. Eardley Wilmot, wishes to go over from Woolwich to Kew: I am sure you will be glad to see him. I know nothing of "Jane Eyre". It has grieved me

much to hear of Mrs. Lestock Wilson's death; and Falconer is quite cut up about it. There could not be a pleasanter person than she was. I sent to Heward the Nos. of Flora Antarctica for Decaisne*18; and I think I left nothing undone, when quitting England, but this annoying job, the Niger Flora. Taylor's*19 collection of Cryptogamia would be well worth having, for the sake of the authentic specimens it contains of his innumerable bad and badly described species. Kind regards to Mr. and Mrs. Bates, whose friend received me very kindly, - and to all other old acquaintances, who may ask for me. Love to my dear father and Lise, and thanks for all the kind letters I receive. I have got a large collection of Cerealia and Grains, at Bhagulpore[Bhagalpur], making up for the Museum at Kew. A Hindoo [Hindu] Artist cannot be procured within the reach of my income; and there are hardly any of the class of men who would come to this cold country. Remember me, particularly, to Mr. and Miss Philipps. To the former I will write soon: but, at Present, I am overwhelmed with work. Your loving son, | JOS. D. HOOKER. Tell my father I have just got Thibet[Tibet] Barley, Grain and Ears from beyond the snow. H.M. Ships never come to Calcutta[Kolkata].