HOOKER (Sir Joseph Dalton, 1817-1911, Botanist and Traveller, Director of Kew Gardens 1865-1885, President of the Royal Society 1873-1878)

Autograph Letter Signed to an unnamed correspondent, saying that his “plant appears to be the Melia Azedevach, a native of India & comonly known as ‘Pride of India’ - it is however very commonly cultivated in the warmer countries & even in the S. of France. I shall always be very glad to give you any informatio in my power regarding plants so long as it does not require to be detailed or involve much reference to books. I have not seen Mr Cornick[?] for a long time now - but recognise his portrait in the Royal Academy. Daniell is I suppose in the East...”, 3 sides small 8vo., Kew, 3rd July

Sir Joseph was the naturalist with Ross’ Antarctic Expedition 1839-1845, and worked with Darwin on the origin of species. His many important compilations include ‘Genera Plantarum’ (with George Bentham), and ‘Flora of British India’, besides researches in many parts of the world. The Melia azedarach is commonly known as the chinaberry tree.
Thomas DANIELL (1749-1840) was a landscape painter who also painted Orientalist themes. He spent seven years in India, accompanied by his nephew William, also an artist, and published several series of aquatints of the country.

Item Date:  1850

Stock No:  42846      £375

             Add to Wish List     Order/Enquire