
          ferns. In short, I have no idle & 
I might almost say none that is not 
devoted to botany, though family 
[cause?] will often intervene.

I do all I can in sending botanists 
also abroad. I have just got an excellent 
appointment at the Botanic Garden at 
[crossed out: St. Vincent's] [added: Jamaica] for one of my students; &
another I have just recommended to 
the Admiralty to be sent to the interior 
of Africa with Clapperton. This Clapperton 
is just returned from a glorious 
journey into the interior of that country, 
from Bornou [Bornu], with [crossed out: illegible] [added: an immense] collection 
of things &, as soon as they are published, 
he sets out again.

I am ever, most truly &
faithfully yours 
W. J. Hooker
        