In the same "Reader" (505/1. Sir J.D. Hooker wrote to Darwin, July
13th, 1865, from High Force Inn, Middleton, Teesdale: "I am studying the
moraines all day long with as much enthusiasm as I am capable of after
lying in bed till nine, eating heavy breakfasts, and looking forward to
dinner as the summum bonum of existence." The result of his work, under
the title "Moraines of the Tees Valley," appeared in the "Reader"
(July 15th, 1865, page 71), of which Huxley was one of the managers
or committee-men, and Norman Lockyer was scientific editor ("Life and
Letters of T.H. Huxley," I., page 211). Hooker describes the moraines
and other evidence of glacial action in the upper part of the Tees
valley, and speaks of the effect of glaciers in determining the present
physical features of the country.) there was a striking article
on English and Foreign Men of Science (505/2. "British and Foreign
Science," "The Reader," loc. cit., page 61. The writer of the article
asserts the inferiority of English scientific workers.), and I think
unjust to England except in pure Physiology; in biology Owen and R.
Brown ought to save us, and in Geology we are most rich.
It is curious how we are reading the same books. We intend to read Lecky
and certainly to re-read Buckle--which latter I admired greatly before.
I am heartily glad you like Lubbock's book so much. It made me grieve
his taking to politics, and though I grieve that he has lost his
election, yet I suppose, now that he is once bitten, he will never give
up politics, and science is done for. Many men can make fair M.P.'s; and
how few can work in science like him!
I have been reading a pamphlet by Verlot on "Variation of Flowers,"
which seems to me very good; but I doubt whether it would be worth your
reading. it was published originally in the "Journal d'Hort.," and
so perhaps you have seen it. It is a very good plan this republishing
separately for sake of foreigners buying, and I wish I had tried to get
permission of Linn. Soc. for my Climbing paper, but it is now too late.
Do not forget that you have my paper on hybridism, by Max Wichura.
(505/3. Wichura, M.E., "L'Hybridisation dans le regne vegetal etudiee
sur les Saules," "Arch. Sci. Phys. Nat." XXIII., page 129, 1865.)
I hope you are returned to your work, refreshed like a giant by your
huge breakfasts. How unlucky you are about contagious complaints with
your children!
I keep very weak, and had much sickness yesterday, but am stronger this
morning.
Can you remember how we ever first met? (505/4. See "Life and Letters,"
II., page 19.) It was in Park Street; but what brought us together? I
have been re-reading a few old letters of yours, and my heart is very
warm towards you.
LETTER 506. TO C. LYELL. Down, March 8th [1866].
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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