KEW FROM 1820 TO 1841 
3i 
Debate in 
the House 
of Lords. 
garden, he exerted his enormous influence towards the accomplish- 
ment of that end. For many years he had known Sir William Hooker, 
at that time Professor of Botany in Glasgow University, and admired 
his scientific attainments, his energy, and his personal character. 
Knowing, too, his ambition to direct the fortunes of a new and re- 
generated Kew, and recognising in him the man best fitted for the 
position, he sedulously worked in his favour. Unfortunately, the 
Duke, dying in October, 1839, did not live to see the fulfilment of 
his hopes in regard to Kew and Sir William Hooker. 
On March 3rd, 1840, the Earl of Aberdeen brought up the ques- 
tion of Kew in the House of Lords. He said “ he considered the 
Botanic Gardens to constitute a part of the state and 
dignity of the Crown, which should by no means be 
separated from it. So far from desiring to destroy 
this establishment, he should think her Majesty could 
not favour a better object than the protection, encouragement, and 
cultivation of that delightful science with which the gardens were 
connected.” He then asked if there was any truth in the reports 
that the Government intended to abandon and destroy this establish- 
ment. In reply, Viscount D uncannon said that there was not and 
never had been the least intention to break up the gardens. 
To one unaccustomed to the peculiarities of official replies in Par- 
liament, this statement, in view of Lord Surrey’s proceedings at Kew, 
might have appeared a rather remarkable one. However, the con- 
tinued existence of Kew as a botanic garden was assured. That was 
the great thing. Eight days after this discussion, a minute was 
issued from the Board of Green Cloth announcing the transference 
of the control of Kew from the Lord Steward to the Commissioners 
of Woods and Forests, and directing that “ possession of all the said 
gardens, except the kitchen garden, be given to such person or per- 
sons as the Chief Commissioners may duly authorise to take charge 
of the same,” from April 1st, 1840. 
At this time W. T. Aiton was seventy-four years of age and, having 
succeeded his father in 1793, had had charge of the Botanic Garden 
for forty-seven years. In the autumn of 1840 he an- 
nounced his intention of resigning this portion of his 
duties, still, however, retaining charge of the kitchen 
garden and Pleasure Grounds. Meanwhile, the appointment of his 
successor had not been settled, and it was not until March, 1841, 
Sir William 
Hooker. 
