Description

Brandis and his wife send Hooker their sympathies on hearing of his terrible loss [the death of Hooker's wife]. Hooker's letter did Brandis much good, for he is often low spirited. The changes which took place during his absence from India have deprived him of nearly all assistance. At times Brandis feels overwhelmed with work, otherwise he would have sent Hooker an article on the Himalayan Acers and Rhus, the result of his late journey, which was most successful. Mrs Brandis accompanied him throughout, from Simla [Shimla], up the Sutlej and Baspa, then from Janglas across the Rupin pass to the upper Tons. After a month's wandering in the Deodar forests they journeyed to the Doon through the D'eolan[?] forest, which he had examined 11 years ago. Brandis saw Kurz before he left Calcutta [Kolkata], who assured him that specimens of all new species described by him are, unless unique, sent to RBG Kew. Brandis suggests Hooker write to King or to the India Office about this. Trying to induce King to work at other families is, Brandis fears, quite hopeless. King's only enjoyment in his 'dreary' life is to pick holes in the work of other botanists; Brandis is sure King will do this with Brandis' own book. Hanbury has sent Brandis his book; Brandis asks Hooker to pass on his thanks. He sends his regards to Bentham and notes Acacia suma and A. catechu are 'all right'. Baker would be sorry to see how they destroy Bauihinia valhii, Derris scandens and Butea superba in their Sal forests. He would have liked to have had Oliver to breakfast at Rilln[?] on the Sutlej in the heart of a forest of the true Quercus ilex and also when he returned, after 11 years absence, to his old Olea cuspidata locality on the Tons, where he was doubtful whether it is not O. europaea after all. He wishes he could someday exhibit their interesting trees to enthusiastic English botanists. He hopes to find time to read Hooker's address on carnivorous plants. Pages 1 and 4 of 10.

Description

Brandis and his wife send Hooker their sympathies on hearing of his terrible loss [the death of Hooker's wife]. Hooker's letter did Brandis much good, for he is often low spirited. The changes which took place during his absence from India have deprived him of nearly all assistance. At times Brandis feels overwhelmed with work, otherwise he would have sent Hooker an article on the Himalayan Acers and Rhus, the result of his late journey, which was most successful. Mrs Brandis accompanied him throughout, from Simla [Shimla], up the Sutlej and Baspa, then from Janglas across the Rupin pass to the upper Tons. After a month's wandering in the Deodar forests they journeyed to the Doon through the D'eolan[?] forest, which he had examined 11 years ago. Brandis saw Kurz before he left Calcutta [Kolkata], who assured him that specimens of all new species described by him are, unless unique, sent to RBG Kew. Brandis suggests Hooker write to King or to the India Office about this. Trying to induce King to work at other families is, Brandis fears, quite hopeless. King's only enjoyment in his 'dreary' life is to pick holes in the work of other botanists; Brandis is sure King will do this with Brandis' own book. Hanbury has sent Brandis his book; Brandis asks Hooker to pass on his thanks. He sends his regards to Bentham and notes Acacia suma and A. catechu are 'all right'. Baker would be sorry to see how they destroy Bauihinia valhii, Derris scandens and Butea superba in their Sal forests. He would have liked to have had Oliver to breakfast at Rilln[?] on the Sutlej in the heart of a forest of the true Quercus ilex and also when he returned, after 11 years absence, to his old Olea cuspidata locality on the Tons, where he was doubtful whether it is not O. europaea after all. He wishes he could someday exhibit their interesting trees to enthusiastic English botanists. He hopes to find time to read Hooker's address on carnivorous plants. Pages 1 and 4 of 10.