394 LIFE AT DOWN. ^ETAT. 33-45. [1854. 



Mirzapore on the Ganges (but the Thugs were most interesting), 

 where the stream seemed to carry you on more equably with 

 longer sentences and longer facts and discussions, &c. In 

 another edition (and I am delighted to hear that Murray has 

 sold all off), I would consider whether this part could not be 

 condensed. Even if the meteorology was put in foot-notes, I 

 think it would be an improvement. All the world is against 

 me, but it makes me very unhappy to see the Latin names all 

 in Italics, and all mingled with English names in Roman type ; 

 but I must bear this burden, for all men of Science seem to 

 think it would corrupt the Latin to dress it up in the same 

 type as poor old English. Well, I am very proud of my book ; 

 but there is one bore, that I do not much like asking people 

 whether they have seen it, and how they like it, for I feel so 

 much identified with it, that such questions become rather 

 personal. Hence, I cannot tell you the opinion of others. 

 You will have seen a fairly good review in the ' Athenaeum.' 



What capital news from Tasmania : it really is a very 

 remarkable and creditable fact to the Colony.* I am always 

 building veritable castles in the air about emigrating, and 

 Tasmania has been my head-quarters of late ; so that I feel 

 very proud of my adopted country : it is really a very singular 

 and delightful fact, contrasted with the slight appreciation of 

 science in the old country. I thank you heartily for your 

 letter this morning, and for all the gratification your Dedi- 

 cation has given me ; I could not help thinking how much 



would despise you for not having dedicated it to some 



great man, who would have done you and it some good in the 

 eyes of the world. Ah, my dear Hooker, you were very soft 

 on this head, and justify what I say about not caring enough 

 for your own fame. I wish I was in every way more worthy 

 of your good opinion. Farewell. How pleasantly Mrs. Hooker 

 and you must rest from one of your many labours. . . . 



* This refers to an unsolicited towards the expenses' of Sir J. 

 grant by the Colonial Government Hooker's ' Flora of Tasmania.' 



