xLii EFFORTS FOR FREE TRADE 269 



in the Senate House at Cambridge, on June 23, 

 at the presentation of addresses." This was on 

 the occasion of the Darwin centenary, which it 

 gave him keen regret to be unable to attend. 

 His old friend Sir J. Hooker writes touchingly 

 with reference to his absence : 



The Orchard, Huntingdon Road, 

 Cambridge, June 24tth, 1909. 



My dear Avebury — You are much missed here, 

 but by none so sincerely and sympathetically as myself, 

 feeling deeply as I do for you in your great sorrow. 



This has been the most wonderful scientific gathering 

 conceivable, but to me in many respects a mournful 

 one. 



Except Mr. Huxley, there has been no link in what 

 was the long chain of my active life (other than the 

 Darwin family) — a life in which you had so large a 

 share, and still so full a share of reminiscences. To 

 have seen you here would have gladdened me more 

 than I can express. 



As it is, I am here under the strictest orders, and 

 only allowed peeps at the marvellous gatherings at the 

 Halls, Colleges, and Gardens. 



To me the most interesting thing of all is the 

 Exhibition of Portraits, Books, Letters and Instruments, 

 and other objects in connection with the Darwin and 

 Wedgwood families. 



It will probably be kept open after the " Celebration," 

 and if so, and you could spare a few hours for a visit 

 to it, you would, I am sure, feel repaid. — Ever, dear 

 Avebury, your affectionate old friend, 



J. D. Hooker. 



An interesting note which was, by his per- 

 mission, shown among the Darwin manuscripts 

 at this Celebration is from Mr. Darwin, running : 



Down, Farnborough, 

 Kent, Wednesday Eve. 



My dear Waterhouse — Will you be so kind as to 

 take the trouble to send me a proper form for proposing 



