[[1]]
THE CAMP,
SUNNINGDALE.
June 30 [18]89
My dear Mrs Hodgson,*1
I am indeed glad to know that Brian [Houghton Hodgson] got through his trials so
well -- for the whole affair is fatiguing for any body. -- I am particularly thankful that
he was enabled to avoid the luncheon. The afternoon in the Garden is the nicest
part of the whole. I do wish I could have been there: but I was obliged to go to
Lefroy*2 when well enough to see me, & there
[[2]] had been so many postponements.
I found my old friend quite as well as I expected; but a confirmed invalid, unable ever
to walk up or downstairs, but with his mind as active as ever.
We really do look forward with pleasure to accepting your kind invitation; -- some
time in August would suit us but -- we can are engaged for all July. Col[onel] Lyell*3 is
coming to us for a long stay on the or about the 16th of this month.
We had a very pleasant week in Cornwall & Devon, but unfortunately missed some
visitors
[[3]] who relied on our being at home on Friday. One lady of 63 had ridden 12 miles
on a tricycle to call! & tricycled back in the evening. Seeking she made herself
known to Mrs Symonds.*4 It was Miss Henslow*5, & Frances's sister.
Tell Brian with my love that I saw in Cornwall many many plants of Rhod[odendron]
Hodgsonii in the open air, 6 feet across & more, & with leaves a foot long -- they were
past flowering unfortunately -- they were planted in the woods & throve luxuriantly.
There were also noble plants of Falconeri, Aucklandii, Argenteum, barbatum
[[4]] & others -- together with Hodgsonii forming regular shrubberies. -- as if native of
the soil.
With Hyacinth's love to you both | Ever aff[ectionatel]y your | Joseph Hooker
ENDNOTES
1. Susan (Susie) Hodgson née Townshend (1844--1912). Photographer and second
wife of naturalist Brian Houghton Hodgson (1801--1894), they married in 1869 or
1870.
2. Sir John Henry Lefroy (1817 --1890). Soldier, scientist and colonial administrator.
He distinguished himself with his scientific studies of the earth's magnetism.
Described as "probably the most remarkable contributor to our knowledge of the
phenomena of magnetic disturbances."
3. Col. Sir Henry Yule (1820 -- 1889). Scottish Orientalist. He joined the Bengal
Engineers in 1840 and served in both Sikh Wars. He published many travel books
including translations of the works of Marco Polo and Friar Jordanus. He was also
the compiler of a dictionary of Anglo--Indian terms, the Hobson--Jobson, along with
Arthur Coke Burnell.
4. Joseph Hooker's mother--in--law, wife of William Samuel Symonds (1818 --1887),
an English geologist and clergyman. Mother of Lady Hyacinth, Joseph Hooker's
second wife.
5. Miss Henslow, sister of Joseph Hooker's first wife, Frances Hooker, née Henslow.
Please note that work on this transcript is ongoing. Users are advised to study
electronic image(s) of this document where possible.