CHAPTEE L 



THE LAST YEARS 



In 1907 Hooker completed his ninetieth year. The even 

 tenor of his way was only chequered by minor ill health ; 

 his unabated work was little interrupted from outside. 



The fact is [he tells Mrs. Paisley, January 2, 1907] 

 that I live almost a hermit's life, occupied with books and 

 plants as of yore. Kind friends come to see me, but I rarely 

 leave the house. I read a great deal, but the number of 

 books worth reading is now so great that I cannot keep 

 pace with the authors. India always occupies much of my 

 thoughts, and the Durbar about to be held for the meeting 

 of the Governor General and the Ameer of Afghanistan 

 especially interests me. 



It interested him none the less because his son Joseph with his 

 Indian Sappers was engaged in preparing the ground at Agra. 



In the spring of this year, as in 1906, he went to Bath, 

 where the change of air and scene gave the refreshment desired, 

 without either baths or waters, for the ' former experience 

 of the efficacy of these vaunted cures was not encouraging.' 



The ninetieth birthday itself was marked by several honours, 

 described in the following letters. 



To Lord Bedesdale 

 (who had sent his congratulations a little prematurely). 



The Camp, Sunningdale : June 30, 1907. 



My dear old Friend, — You are the first whom I thank 

 for your welcome and affectionate congratulations, written 



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