Dear Darwin

1000 thanks for your kind letter— the only objection to Dyer for Harriet is that it is ridiculously a propos¹ ie common-place—& reminds me of Hogarth’s industrious apprentice—as it did Huxley.² I never had any ambitious desires for my sons or daughters, & a good scientific man though poor (if otherwise honest, as Sydney Smith? says of a poor man) is the best of all matches in my eyes³. Not that Dyer is poor— he has some £750 of income & will have a few thousands when his Mother⁴ dies.— What especially pleases me is that he is just the Brother in law I should like my sons to have⁵    I had long wondered whether D. cared for Harriet & neither my late wife nor this ever made out.⁶ Still less did we know whether H. cared for him— Now it appears that the attachment has been most strong on Dyer’s part for 4 years, & that Harriet has of late returned it.

I am very glad that you will take up bloom again. I think we can easily send you almost all the things you want.⁷ We generally have plenty of Desmod. gyrans.⁸ The nurserymen always come to us for it.— I will let you know immediately. Dyer or Smith⁹ will attend to all your wants in my absence.

Ever aff yrs | Jos D Hooker