J.D.HOOKER TO CHARLES DARWIN.
(31/1.

In the "Life and Letters," I., page 392, is a letter to Sir J.D.
Hooker from Mr.Darwin, to whom the former had dedicated his "Himalayan Journals." Mr.Darwin there wrote: "Your letter, received this morning, has interested me extremely, and I thank you sincerely for telling me your old thoughts and aspirations." The following is the letter referred to, which at our request Sir Joseph has allowed us to publish.) Kew, March 1st, 1854.
Now that my book (31/2.

"Himalayan Journals," 2 volumes.

London, 1854.) has been publicly acknowledged to be of some value, I feel bold to write to you; for, to tell you the truth, I have never been without a misgiving that the dedication might prove a very bad compliment, however kindly I knew you would receive it.

The idea of the dedication has been present to me from a very early date: it was formed during the Antarctic voyage, out of love for your own "Journal," and has never deserted me since; nor would it, I think, had I never known more of you than by report and as the author of the said "Naturalist's Journal." Short of the gratification I felt in getting the book out, I know no greater than your kind, hearty acceptation of the dedication; and, had the reviewers gibbeted me, the dedication would alone have given me real pain.