Ferdinand von Mueller

1

MS annotation by Hooker: 'Answd Sept 25/67'. [Letter not found].

25/7/67

I hope, dear Dr Hooker, you have been able to send the Victorian timber on loan to Kew.

2

See M to J. Hooker, 9 September 1866 (in this edition as 66-09-09a).

From the enclosed notice you will observe how unfavorably the Victorian Collection is critizised.

3

The specific item has not been found at Kew. But see an anonymous article in the Argus, 12 July 1867, pp. 5-6, which congratulated the Commissioners for the Paris Exhibition on the ‘admirable skill with which they have carried out their evil intention’ to win the competition for ‘the shabbiest, poorest, worst arranged display’. The wood specimens were described as ‘a show miserable beyond expression. The greater part of the samples exhibited are fit for nothing but to light the fires at which should be burnt the effigies of those who contrived this scandal upon Victoria.’

The Commission here had far too little means available for their purpose, to see the real resources of our country well represented. The 30 copies of the 3 vol have just arrived.

4

Bentham (1863-78), vol. 3.

Many thanks. Before I forget it I would mention, as I told you at the time that £50 - - was placed at your disposal & sent to the Homecommissioners

5

See M to J. Hooker, 9 September 1866, in this edition as 66-09-09a.

for the transit of timber. I am so worried & my strength is so exhausted, that after having been away not a day from duty for nearly six years I am absolutely obliged to seek for a few weeks change of air.