Ferdinand von Mueller

13/6/68

I am sorry, dear Dr Hooker, that you & Mr Bentham sustain such heavy loss on the genera and icones.

1

J. Hooker (1867-89) and Bentham & Hooker (1862-83). G. Bentham to M, 18 January 1868 includes comment about the expense of the joint work; no 1868 letter with similar comments from Hooker has been found.

Let me hope that these works will be a long lasting althoug' tardy source of income. Such works will be in demand for many years and thus finally bring back the outlay, although the investment of the capital is a very improfitable one. There is one redeeming feature however in these transactions, namely that you obtain counter-presents in giving your own works away. I shall not be able to publish many illustrations in future; the departmental and private means will not admit of. Of all existing phytologists I believe I have made the severest private sacrifices in time, monetary means & domesticity. See, my dear sir, you have at least brought up a family to care for you in age; and in what way can a capital be better invested than in the education of hopeful children! — What have I in comparison to show? after my very severe sacrifices — You enjoyed the happiness of cheerful evenings, when I was left in my solitude working early and late joyless away and also under great disadvantage . Possibly however late in life my own prospects may still brighten.