LETTER TO HARVEY 517 



nounced Darwin's book to be the most remarkable of its 

 generation, and, though not conclusive as to its own ultimate 

 views, to have thrown the doctrine of original creation of 

 species to the winds this is my view of the question. 



I really should like to have your opinion of what I have 

 said on the subject ; as you have only such opinions of my 

 Essay as Haughton's to judge by, and I do not feel com- 

 plimented by my friends' indifference to what I do, say, and 

 think, though I am profoundly indifferent to the sneers 

 and contempt I have received from the opposite side of the 

 Channel and opposite side of your passage [the Irish Sea]. 

 Asa Gray alone has treated me with candour and fairness ; 

 all other Botanists are either indifferent, hostile, or con- 

 temptuous. I venture to think that if you will read my 

 Essay, and specially what I have said at p. xxiv (par. 34 and 

 onwards to end of discussion) you will have a better opinion 

 of my judgment and grounds for advocating Darwin than 

 you now have. I do not suppose for a moment that any- 

 thing I have said will alter your opinion of the main question, 

 but I do think it may give you a higher opinion of the minds 

 and consciences of your opponents, and at any rate prove 

 to you that we may be earnest, truth-seeking, searching 

 enquirers ; candid in the exposition of our difficulties and 

 cautious advocates too. I do not ask your praise or approval, 

 and shall be quite content if you will say whether you think 

 what Asa Gray says is fair or not. 



One other point and I have done. I cannot bear your 

 flinging away at Darwin and ignoring me ; not because my 

 dignity is hurt ; .not because you regard me as a mere 

 disciple and copyist, but because we are both Botanists. 

 I am sure fair generous friendship can stand any test ; we 

 shall not quarrel ' for an idea,' however hotly we may argue 

 it. I threw down the gauntlet in G. C. when you attacked 

 him, Darwin, from a Botanical redoubt. 



Ever yours affectionately, 



Jos. D. HOOKER. 



Kew : May 26, 1860. 



DEAR HARVEY, I thank you much for your last letter, 

 which gives me great hopes of our coming to a mutual agree- 

 ment as to the legitimacy and propriety of the line of study 

 Darwin has opened up. 



VOL. I 2 fc 



