480 PEKSONALIA : 1898-1906 



It remains, sir, to thank you cordially for coupling my 

 father's name with my own in this award, but for which, 

 indeed, I could not have accepted it without a protest. I 

 inherited from him my love of knowledge for its own sake; 

 but this would have availed me little were it not for the 

 guiding hand of one who had himself attained scientific 

 eminence ; who by example, precept, and encouragement 

 kept me to the paths which I should follow, launched me 

 in the fields of exploration and research, liberally aided me 

 during his lifetime, and paved for me the way to the position 

 he so long held at Kew with so great credit to himself, and 

 benefit especially to our Indian and Colonial possessions. 



At home the summer brought Hooker its share of 

 trouble. His son William had just pulled through a serious 

 illness, and he was looking forward to spending a happy week 

 at Batsford, when he was called to the death-bed of his sister, 

 Mrs. Lombe, 1 who had long been an invalid. The tie of affec- 

 tion between them was very close, and maintained by regular 

 correspondence. ' We had been fast friends for well-nigh 80 

 years,' he exclaims to Lord Eedesdale, and now that the 

 last of his own generation was gone, he felt deeply the loss 

 of a lifelong love and friendship. 



Other memories of the past, however, were kept warmly 

 alive. [Sir] Francis Darwin, with the collaboration of Pro- 

 fessor A. C. Seward, was preparing to bring out a collection 

 of ' More Letters of Charles Darwin.' Hooker responded with 

 delight. 



To F. Darwin 



February 1, 1899. 



My dear Frank, — I will gladly help you all I can ; so 

 have no scruples. By all means send me any of my letters 

 you think I can throw light upon. 



You are right to make the book uncompromisingly 

 scientific. It will be greatly valued. I am getting so old 

 and oblivious that I fear I may not be of much use. 



Ever affectionately yours, 



Jos. D. Hooker. 



The exchange of unpublished letters brought some surprises. 



1 Her husband, Dr. Evans, had taken the name of Lombe. 



