THE KEW INDEX 417 



of plants. For ' synonyms ' have frequently been given by- 

 different writers to the same species, and this had led to endless 

 confusion. The object of the Index was to provide an authori- 

 tative list of all the names that have been used, with reference 

 to the author of each, and to its place of publication. The 

 correct name in use according to certain well-known rules of 

 nomenclature was to be indicated by type different from that 

 of the synonyms superseded by it. The only predecessor of 

 such an Index was Steudel's ' Nomenclator Botanicus,' a book 

 greatly prized by Darwin, though long out of date. Hooker 

 was asked by Darwin to take into consideration the extent and 

 scope of the proposed work, and to suggest the best means to 

 have it executed. He undertook the task, and it was carried 

 out by Dr. Daydon Jackson and a staff of clerks. The plan of 

 Dr. Jackson was that it should be based on the ' Genera Plan- 

 tarum ' : that it should be carried out at Kew : and that refer- 

 ence to the source of origin should be given for each species. 

 The work was started in 1882, and took almost ten years. It 

 extended to four large quarto volumes, with 2500 pages, bearing 

 about 375,000 specific names. Hooker read and narrowly 

 criticised the proofs, supplying himself the statements on 

 geographical distribution. Surely no greater technical benefit 

 was ever conferred upon future generations of botanists by a 

 veteran of the science than this Index. It smooths the way 

 for every systematist who comes after by sweeping aside the 

 superfluous weight of effete names, and guiding those who 

 consult it directly to the proper designation of the species 

 referred to. The Index stands as a monument to an intimate 

 friendship. It bears witness to the munificence of Darwin, and 

 the ungrudging personal care of Hooker. 



While such purely scientific activities as these of Sir Joseph 

 naturally claim attention first, his effective administration 

 should not be lost sight of. Its most tangible result is the great 

 botanical establishment at Kew. Three generations of the 

 Hooker dynasty — Sir William, Sir Joseph, and his son-in-law 

 Sir William Thiselton-Dyer — made Kew what it is. In 1840, 

 when taken over from the Crown by the Department of Woods 

 and Forests, the Garden at Kew left much to be desired. It was 



