My dear Hooker

I am glad to hear from M^rs. Hooker that you are returned, & that your tour has answered well.—¹ I suppose you will be very busy for some time, as M^rs. Hooker says you are going to move to Kew soon.—²

I write now to thank for the seeds for salting received about 10 or 14 days ago from Kew; but I am sick of the job for reasons which I will tell you when we meet, & which will please you³ (. NB. capsicum & celery seed have come up after 137 days immersion.).

I was going to have written to you to send 2 grand seeds which I have received from Norway,⁴ cast up by Gulf-Stream; but since enquiring about your return, I have changed my mind & determined to soak them in salt-water for 10 days to see if they continue to float, & then I will send them you to name (if you can) & have them planted.—⁵

I wrote a short & dull letter from Glasgow to you;⁶ I don’t know whether you received it, but do not fash yourself on any account by writing to me now that you must be very busy.—

I was much pleased with, & extremely obliged by the excessive kindness of M^r Gourlie⁷ at Glasgow, to whom you once introduced me at the Gardens.—

Adios. I suppose you will soon set to work like a Trojan. Farewell. | C. Darwin

I am reading Decandolle⁸ with much interest.