448 PEBSONALIA : 1898-1906 



* 



In 1902 his eighty-fifth birthday was celebrated in diverse 

 ways. By a happy coincidence, as has been recorded, it was 

 closely followed by the dedication to him of the ' More Letters 

 of Charles Darwin.' The German Emperor, a little before- 

 hand, sent him the highest Prussian decoration, the order 

 ' Pour le Merite,' to the huge excitement of the German 

 governess at The Camp, who sentimentally kissed the ribbon 

 of the order. 



' It makes me a Bitter,' he tells his son, ' and if ever I go 

 again to Germany, the soldiers will present arms to me ! ' 



Of this he writes to [Sir] F. Darwin, June 15, 1902 : 



Thanks for your congratulations. I well remember the 

 pleasure which the recognition gave to your father. I have 

 refused all foreign orders, and only accepted this on the 

 assurance that the King permitted its being given and worn 

 being a Civil Servant I am bound by rules of ' Orders 

 in Council.' 



You will think me a sad growler when I tell you that I 

 have two faults to find with the thing the French title 

 and that the badge is a reminder of a school medal with 

 ' Virtue's Beward,' or ' For Good Conduct ' on it. This 

 between ourselves. 



* The badge,' he tells Lord Bedesdale, * is rather insignifi- 

 cant, but the collar ribbon is that of the Black Eagle ! ' 



On the day itself, June 30, arrived a sundial for the garden, 

 presented by a number of his friends. Of this he writes to 

 Mrs. Lyell, July 2, 1902. 



I do indeed deeply appreciate your affectionate regards 

 so long granted me, and now so touchingly expressed. I do 

 indeed thank you heartily. The Sundial was a great surprise 

 and no tribute ever paid me has given me such pleasure, 

 and your name at the top of the list of the 42 ! I did not 

 want a reminder of you here, for I never pass the Linnaea 

 without thinking of you. 



The year 1902 saw the Coronation of King Edward VII. 

 As a G.C.S.I. and distinguished Civil Servant Hooker found 

 it necessary to break in upon his usual quietude and attend 



