THE KEW APPOINTMENT 159 



seeing that Kew had never been so used since Kew Palace was 

 given up. Futile pretext for obstructing public progress. 

 A liberal policy must prevail, the Upper House being won over 

 by reason of ' our noblemen and statesmen being so fond of 

 trees and their gardens ' and finding that Kew disseminates 

 new plants ; all the more successfully because it has secured 

 the new palm stove. Already (March 7, 1843) his ideal is to 

 see the gardens on an equal footing with the British Museum, 

 and under a body of Directors chosen one half of Botanists 

 at least. 



My mother tells that Invereck [their cottage on the 

 Clyde] is sold, and I. much fear that the great expense your 

 family now puts you to is in some measure your reason for 

 parting with it. Everything seems to have gone wrong 

 from the very day on which I first left Glasgow, and believe 

 me that could I with honour give up the Expedition it would 

 not be long before I should be at your side to take my share 

 of your labors ; as it is, even were I uncomfortable in the 

 ship, I could not give it up without it being said I was afraid 

 to go on, and further I hope ere this will reach you, you will 

 be snugly ensconced not ten miles from Aunt Palgrave's. 



Now he could expand affectionately over his father's 

 advancement in the sphere of their ' mutual interest.' He 

 discusses plans for the future ; caters for his new command by 

 making Colenso and Konald Gunn 1 promise to send interesting 

 plants to Kew from New Zealand and Tasmania ; looks forward 

 eagerly to the day when he will himself share in his father's 

 labours. * My father always works too hard ' he agrees 

 with Dr. Boott, the old friend of the family (November 29, 

 1842). 



Now that his employment means more exercise out of 

 doors, he will grow stronger. ' Walking, in particular, always 

 agreed with him, and good walkers invariably enjoy good 

 health ; who ever saw a sick two-penny postman ? or Police- 

 runner ? ' 



And to his father he writes (April 20, 1843) : 



1 See pp. 107 and 124. 



