HOOKER.
(78/1.

The reference in the following letter is to the proofs of Hooker's "Australian Flora.") Down, 28 [July 1859].
The returned sheet is chiefly that which I received in MS.

Parts seem to me (though perhaps it may be forgetfulness) much improved, and I retain my former impression that the whole discussion on the Australian flora is admirably good and original.

I know you will understand and not object to my thus expressing my opinion (for one must form one) so presumptuously.

I have no criticisms, except perhaps I should like you somewhere to say, when you refer to me, that you refer only to the notice in the "Linnean Journal;" not that, on my deliberate word of honour, I expect that you will think more favourably of the whole than of the suggestion in the "Journal." I am far more than satisfied at what you say of my work; yet it would be as well to avoid the appearance of your remarks being a criticism on my fuller work.
I am very sorry to hear you are so hard-worked.