D^r old Darwin

The enclosed is pretty much what was to be expected, & though Balfour would be vehemently prejudiced in regard to a point of character directly bearing on Darwinism & Scott’s researches, he is too honest & kind-hearted a man to allow his feelings to run away with him in answering such questions as I put regarding Scott—¹ It is very awkward, for one really sees no avenue for the poor fellow   he clearly cannot be suited to a Colonial appointment: as a gardener, in short, he never can get on—where subordination & supervision are equally essential. He has in fact mistaken his calling.

I send a note from the Chief Baron in the ghost of a chance of the last paragraph being useful.²

F. Wedgwood has most kindly asked me & my wife to stay a night with him & look over his molds of portraits &c.—which we hope to do when the weather is a little better— he has also promised to come to Kew & see us, as has he for Godfrey when he comes to Town.³

Herbert Spencer I suppose wrote the Review of Schleiden in N. H. Rev.;⁴ it is very interesting, & I have a pamphlet from him somewhat apropos of the subject “on the classification of the Sciences”— have you it?—⁵

I shall read the “Heat” article in Reader.—⁶

I shall see to Nepenthes.⁷

Ever yrs aff | J D Hooker

P.S. I have mislaid the Chief Barons note—⁸ he recommends a few grains of Epsom salts on the tongue to allay sickness⁹—& says he has often tried it with himself & family— he is a wonderfully sagacious old fellow 80 years old & as active & full of interest in science & you as a young man. In every letter he asks how you are.