THE KEW APPOINTMENT 159 
seeing that Kew had never been so used since Kew Palace was 
given up. Futile pretext for obstructing public progress. 
A liberal policy must prevail, the Upper House being won over 
by reason of ' our noblemen and statesmen being so fond of 
trees and their gardens ' and finding that Kew disseminates 
new plants ; all the more successfully because it has secured 
the new palm stove. Already (March 7, 1843) his ideal is to 
see the gardens on an equal footing with the British Museum, 
and under a body of Directors chosen one half of Botanists 
at least. 
My mother tells that Invereck [their cottage on the 
Clyde] is sold, and I much fear that the great expense your 
family now puts you to is in some measure your reason for 
parting with it. Everything seems to have gone wrong 
from the very day on which I first left Glasgow, and believe 
me that could I with honour give up the Expedition it would 
not be long before I should be at your side to take my share 
of your labors ; as it is, even were I uncomfortable in the 
ship, I could not give it up without it being said I was afraid 
to go on, and further I hope ere this will reach you, you will 
be snugly ensconced not ten miles from Aunt Palgrave's. 
Now he could expand affectionately over his father's 
advancement in the sphere of their * mutual interest.' He 
discusses plans for the future ; caters for his new command by 
making Colenso and Konald Gunn^ promise to send interesting 
plants to Kew from New Zealand and Tasmania ; looks forward 
eagerly to the day when he will himself share in his father's 
labours. ' My father always works too hard ' he agrees 
with Dr. Boott, the old friend of the family (November 29, 
1842). 
Now that his employment means more exercise out of 
doors, he will grow stronger. * Walking, in particular, always 
agreed with him, and good walkers invariably enjoy good 
health ; who ever saw a sick two-penny postman ? or Police- 
runner ? * 
And to his father he writes (April 20, 1843) : 
1 See pp. 107 and 124. 
