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29 Bury Street
St James
London

June 14th 1845

My dear Sir,

A few days ago Mr J.E. Gray forwarded to me the collection of Nepalese birds which you have so kindly presented to me. They include many species new to my collection, and will be of the utmost service to me in identifying the many new species which you have added to science. I regret very much that your approaching departure for India will deprive me of the pleasure of again seeing you in London, or as I had hoped of shewing you my collection in Oxford. I send you herewith a copy of my Report on ornithology just published, and if it is not giving you too much trouble, perhaps you would kindly take chare a copy for Mr Blyth, whom I presume you will see in Calcutta. Hoping you may be enabled to resume your very interesting researches into Indian Zoology
I am with many thanks
very truly yours
H.E. Strickland

To B.H. Hodgson Esq.

Brianstone
Dorjiling
Feby [11] 1857

My dear Sir,

Your recent letter came to hand just in time to enable me to add a [few?] young [?] of the Rutwa Muntjac to Capt. James' despatch of birds I had however priorly at his his request afforded him all the advantages of my long experience in England of the pheasants and partridges of the Sikim Himalaya so that he was enabled to comply with the wishes of the Zool. Socy though not so [effectively] as he might have done had more time been afforded for procuring, taming and fitting for their journey our splendid game birds. I trust that some of his may nevertheless reach England in good health, though if you would make the [experiment?] of conveying these birds to Europe with all available chances of success, you should make your application, one season and, your transport of the birds, the next one, and so that the birds might be clear of the Bay of Bengal by the end of February. As it was it was too late to collect and quiet down the birds before they were sent off; and I apprehend that their embarcation will also be too late even if a sufficient quantity be forthcoming at Cala [Calcutta] when your Agent is ready to receive them and to convey them to England. Every thing depends on having birds duly prepared for the journey down the country, upon shipment at the [people?] season or height of the cold weather and upon ample room and careful supervision of the voyage. With all these advantages the birds may be assuredly conveyed home in high health, as I witnessed during my last voyage to England; without them here is but a doubtful chance of success. I request you will convey to the Committee my acknowledgements of their flattering attention to Dr. Horsfield and your suggestion for the illustrated publication of my Mammal novelties. Had I got this intimation a little sooner I could have forwarded with the Birds not only a fine live Ratwa or Kaker/Kacker which I did and beg to present the same to the society, but also, the [spoils?] of the wild Yak and of the Tibetan badger with one or two more rarities particularly a splendid skin of the Melanic variety of the leopard. But the intimation of your purpose came too late for that opportunity and the season is now so far advanced that the transmission of these skins, with any others I may get in the [interior?] had better be postponed till next season I have also now in the house a healthy and joyous individual of the Paradoxures tricus or the 5 striped species. But that is too great a pet to be parted with, though I may at all events be enabled to send you by and by an account of it's manners and habits as observed under circumstances of unusual advantage, I sent you long ago a drawing of a fine old male of Cervus Affinis I cannot hope to get a live sample but may procure more skins. Should I do so I will remember your wishes
Very [truly] yrs

B.H. Hodgson

To the Trustees of the British Museum London

My Lords and Gentlemen
Before my return from India I presented to the British Museum a large series of zoological specimens collected in Nepal in the last [20] years and I at the same time submitted a series of Drawings made under my directions in Nepal. I have brought home with me from India further ample supplies of both specimens and drawings as well as some Memoranda and Notes (diminished unhappily by accidents on the way) relative to the animals collected and delineated. The whole constitutes a large mass of materials procured at great expense for the illustration of the Zoology of Nepal and of Tibet, and it is my wish, while making the British Museum the primary Depositary of these materials to procure its aid in such a disposal and use of them as may most effectively to further the interests of Science both by distribution and by publication. I am however aware of the rules of the British Museum and therefore solicit its counsel and advice upon the following propositions and suggestions which occur to myself.

1. One complete series of specimens (skins) and of drawings to be presented by me to the British Museum which institution shall return to me all duplicates already in its possession and shall appoint an officer to select from my fresh stores at Canterbury such further specimens and drawings as are required for completing its series.
2. The officer above named to give me his aid in selecting from my specimens already in the Museum and at Canterbury further series to be presented, as far as the specimens go. 1st to India House 2nd to Paris Museum 3rd to the Leyden Museum 4th to that of Canterbury 5th to other institutions of Great Britain till the specimens are exhausted
3. The same or other fit officer of the Museum to be appointed to examine with me my Notes and Memoranda as well as drawings with a view to publication if found advisable in such form and with such aid as to the Trustees may seem proper. Meanwhile, no public use to be made of either specimens or drawings without my consent.
4. The series of finished drawings being not quite complete, the museum to appoint some Artist to complete it from the original rough drawings in my possession and from which that series was copied

very little additional work is needed for the end in view

Gents
your ob[edien]t Servant
B.H. Hodgson

In consideration of the donation of these drawings and skins to the British Museum; the collection and preparation of which have been to me a source of very great expense I would respectfully ask the Trustees to give me aid from the public resources at their disposal such aid in the publication of a Fauna of Nepal and Thibet, as they may deem suitable or to recommend to the British Government to give my projected work that support which has recently been so liberally bestowed upon similar labours. Meanwhile no public use to be made of either drawings or specimens
I have the honor to be
My Lords and Gentlemen
Your ob[edien]t Serv.
Signed B.H. Hodgson

P.S. My Zoological collections embrace an extensive osteological series which as not being suitable to the British Museum it is my intention to present to the Royal College of Surgeons with a request of such aid and cooperation as may seem fitting in reference to the objects of the above letter

[Marginalia]

150 species of Mammals
650 of Birds besides fishes, snakes etc

other institutions subsequently specified as Newcastle, Liverpool, Manchester, Edinbro, Dublin, Plymouth

Darj. Jny. 20th 1849

Dear Hodgson
I arrived here last evening and found as you might expect a hospitable welcome at Mullers. What a wretchedly cold snowy place this is: it looks perfectly blue [devilish?] and most glad I shall be to be off to the plains as soon as I can get my things together. Yrs of 14th and 19th have just been brought me - many thanks for them. The Pony came for me, meeting me half way along the [?] road full of fire, but looking in such dreadful condition that I cannot conceive but that the starve them en route up from Siliguri I wish you had kept the white and sent me the great as I cannot but fear you will find the latter very troublesome if you came across Yaks on the road. Very very many thanks for writing again to my Father, nothing will settle his mind [?] mother's better - nothing could. I will do the polite to Mrs [?] and Mr. and Mrs. Tayler with great real pleasure and will call at once - the latter are staying at Rawlings. Not a syllable have I from home or elsewhere distant. Have just opened all the boxes Falconer sent up and there is not one thing from the Garden. I desired to be sent up, neither books, instruments, clothing, bedding or any of all my things befitting a gentleman's bedroom, or travelling equipment. This really is abominable not even the books asked for including your and my copies of Lyell's principles [Chemical?] box, tools nothing but a few things ordered at Thackers i.e. paper for drying plants. I am irritated and write accordingly - were it not for you and Miller I should still be as naked as when I arrived [8?] months ago. I expressly specified the things I wanted to have kept but it is possible much may have been plundered before the boxes went to F. but there is no notice of any kind whatsover.

Ever yr affectionate
Jos. D. Hooker
I will write again in a day or two

Bless my heart and soul - I went up to N. Hill on writing this - was not there 10' when in comes Mr [Zenons?] ducked drenched through [?] snow. I had him washed and changed lent him my stockings and he staid till 2pm - when a chair came from Bishops for him

Mullers Jany 22 1849

My dear H
Your long and most kind and [affect?] letter has now come in and I can only repeat my thanks and protestations against your forming far too flattering an opinion of me and far too tame a one of your self in comparison I assure you, you never bored me I am too rude and thoughtless and you too quick not to have seen that I felt bored had I been so, I am often quiet and do not answer when still an attentive listener: however we will discuss these topics anon, in the mean time believe (as you do) that I joyfully, heartily and gratefully accept, on all accounts, your invitation and am writing to that effect. Two days after I arrived, 46 letters came from [the?] Post for me, but not an word from Falconer such heaps and heaps of matter for us to discuss public, private and indifferent. First let me tell you that I guesse4d why you did not send me the last Athenaeum! It was most kind of you to retain it, though from hearing that the "Letters" had been [noticed?] in the Lit. Gazette and favourably, I felt sure their time was come for the Ath. and that that caused you to retain it. Frances Henslow writes me about it roasts me mercilessly and says that the Review cuts me up ruthlessly, she does not give [particulars] and shrewdly conclude4s that I do not care [2d?] about the matter. Indeed my dear H with the confidence and friendship of so many friends here even in India what should I care for the publication of this instance of my coming short of the mark; when it cannot (as I conceive for I have no particulars) reflect a [?] [?] or ought but my incapacity to do what I never intended to do, - write a book on [Egypt?] this for a [?] between [?]. Indeed Tayler appears "ye complete Gentleman" but how shall I explain my being obliged to meet him at [Bowlings?] and at dinner. The invite came to told Mullers, and for him and the party made up before my arrival. I made a [ghastly?] attempt to excuse myself but before, Bowling himself, Tayler and Muller who had accepted it, was shadowy ineffective, and in short [go to] I had and did so, feeling very much ashamed of myself for breaking through my promise never to dine out and above all with that gentleman Mrs. Turner's visit has caused great talk in D. they cannot get a word of particulars about it from me, not would if they tried 100 yrs it was strange! Washing feet! and I cannot tell you what else - however I never heard of the Lady's [gallantree] til afterwards and I hope I was polite enough to avoid being thought gauche [Mr. D.S.] knew of it before the lady left it [fillapahar!?]. I am working as hard as I can at my plants I do hope to get over in a week and down to you, most anxious I am to answer the 47 letters! I send Humboldt's I have no time to read it and doubt my complete ability. So Falconer is off to [Moulman?] and a Mr McRea put in his place. God knows who and what to do with my plants I know not, home they must go. My poor young sister has been and is very ill, with inflammation in the lungs or some other chest complaint, all are much alarmed and the Doctors as usual, all [out?] and at loggerheads - other news is good and my father pleased with my Report of my own Progress, what will he not be with yours? Falconer too has been writing to him I believe the only letter F has written to any one in London what are we to say to Humboldt? Thank heaven we have time to think - I will bring Asie Centrali down with me. I* have written to Thacker for Lyells Principles to be sent up straight. Had Falc. send the books as I asked 6 months ago I could have sent my copy of Asie Centrali to Thurman who grievously laments not having it. I thought I had sent it him from England long ago. We cannot spare ours and even Falc. in Calcutta. I would ask him to send mine on to Thurman - but I know nought of this Mr McRea. My [uncle] Turner's note will acquaint you with his terms for private pupils. I am much smothered in business so excuse my not going on at present.
Ever your affectionate

Jos. D. Hooker

Jan 24 1849
Darjeeling

My dear H
Many thanks for the noble bird and the accompanying letter. We are going to eat the former today. Muller is thinking of applying for the Apt. Majestray or whatever it is to [be] here and asked me whether you would feel inclined to help him? I answered that I was sure you would not object to be asked and would trouble yourself to look at his papers: more I could not add. Campbell spoke to me about the affair but not dreaming of any friend of mine being an applicant I paid no further heed him till he asked whether Thurman would do. I was sure Thurman would not take it told him so and dismissed the affair from my mind. Campbell was anxious for a linguist and in my opinion the [?] want a Man of business first for it is in a [terrible?] state I expect, and the little I have had to do there (with [Capt.B?]) has shown me more of its defects than I cared to see or have found convenient. Except something is done towards Land claims, the whole station will be in a mess - we have now robberies every night and I have taken the liberty, of which I think you will approve of making 4 of my Lepchas sleep in different rooms, besides Clamanze and Hoffman. I have no faith in [Chaprapes?] and [Birkiadans?]. Clamanze sleeps like the dead himself and would offer no protection till roused and then a good one I doubt not. To return, Muller offers to study Thibetan or [?] even if that be a Sini que non. The difficulty will be with Campbell to make him see how much attention the station wants and what a bad name is unbusiness like habits have got it. [Mr Donald/McDonald?] is the rival I suppose and what service he could do, a [claims?] being forward I cannot divine Muller's qualifications you know as well as I do, he is I find very poor 415 is all his salary, he lives from hand to mouth sending all to his children at home he has not a jot in the bank, the few thousand he had, he lost. If he returns to the plains he believes he dies and his children are thrown friendless on the world. This is his only worldly anxiety and he feels it deeply, several times he has laid by a little - to lose it all. The govt. broke their pledge to advance his salary when a reduction shd. take place in the mind, though he himself [effected] that to the amount of more than his whole pay. When the new scale of Mint officers pay was drawn out, Forbes employed hi, to do the job. Muller left his own (the only) name out, taking for granted that Forbes would attend to that and so he alone did not benefit on the advances of salary made to the officers in general. Tayler has put in the Snow and is making a splendid picture to give the effect (and he has done so admirably) he has had to [throw?] up the range to I should say 3 times their apparent height from Darjeeling. His colouring of [groups?] is exquisite and nothing can be cleverer or more tasteful than his groups of figures but I do believe that your crude ethnological sketches are the more useful for science. Never having studies as an artist Tayler falls into gross errors of proportion in fact he draws for effect and most beautifully the effect indeed is so good that few can or can take time to look deeper. He is now drawing Mr. [Luffnin's?] children very prettily and tastefully, but as portraits as a picture it is a very weak and poor performance wanting wholly in expression or power. His ability, taste and skill are of first rate order, what he wants, is time deep and long study and a careful examinations of the best masters. What a capital fellow and agreeable he is! - all this entre nouse, to broach such criticisms before the people here (who admire those drawings most which are [rainbow?] [?] and contain most homes/houses best known to themselves. Eaves, gables and [?] wd be to subject myself to ridicule- These robberies will do the station great injury and I doubt if Mrs Turner's [Panyzins?] and Tayler's sketches will counteract all. Bishop refuses to offer reward for discovery. Believe me I wd not bore you with Darj. gossip did I not think of Campbell's character and your house - I think I could give a dozen cases of C's shortcomings in my little affairs with the [catchery] since my return these bother me a little and might make a stranger angry. I have but 2 days of work through them and that I cannot well afford. My men [?] and Hoffman have done extremely well in my absence. Tayler will come up to yours to sketch and I will get chops and a fowl for him, so he shall not say our house was dry and hungry he promises to take a view from it. I have seen the snow but once since my return. Barnes will get us the Elephant, and I have told him so often that he cannot forget. Tayler talks of going down about the time I do and he will I hope stay a day with us at Siliguri I cannot stir for [8?] days at that I am sure.

Ever yr affectionate Jos. D. Hooker

Jany 30 1849

Dear H
I have written to [Lahine/Sahine/Sabine?] a very long letter, told him our gratitude and that we would communicate with Mr Peterman next mail - further that Humboldt has housed us with long advice on the construction of the charts and seems to desire our employing Berghaus also that we shall endeavour to arrange with Mr. Peterman something to his advantage if we do not still give him this. My father (in an overlooked letter) which I intended to have read with you, offers to take the superintendence of the affair in London paying the money to Humboldt and receiving the charts as constructed. Should you then think of accepting [H's?] suggestion and I do not see how we are to get out of the [hobble?] it might be well to think of letting Mr. Peterman translate and print the maps in England, we securing him a sale of 50 copies of the English Ed. in India, which I should think we could do, supposing the price not above 10 shillings. Two Banghys came up for me yesterday, one with [Thurman] from Neuman all in beautiful condition, but a whacking bill. The other books from my Father, including the [Periant?] publication. I have been reading it and seen nothing absolutely objectionable it is [meagre?] flippant and puerile here and there, but apparently no food for a slashing Ath. article I certainly should not myself have printed 3/4 of it. Also a paper on coal fossils, written for the Geol. Society who generously sent me 1 copy but I believe more are coming. Muller is reading it. Wretched weather here and I see no chance of getting down yet - I have not got through drying the plants brought home nor arranging them dries, and this is indispensable or I shall forget all about them. I have 30 packages already dried from [Nepal] Jongri etc. and 20 have been dried at Darj. during my absence. All this over and above the 60 lying in the house. Happily I have got through the seed root [stocks] wood and fruit and Museum specimens. You may guess I am over head and ears in work and this and part of 2 coming days must be devoted mainly to correspondence. Muller has just passed a considerable sized gall stone is better; it did not lay him up.

Ever yours affectionate

Jos. D. Hooker

Darjeeling
Feb 4th 1849

Dear H

I am crazed with letter writing but have got over 10 long sheets for the English mail to [Lahine/Sahine/Sabine?], Lyell, Darwin, [Whatstone/Wheatstone?] the Survey etc. It has thrown me back with my plant arrangements; but is well over - a [worm] [accident?] has [?] the total [derangement?] of the little [?] the standard it is all adrift and we have now no standard to work upon except the big brass affair at Mullers. I am helping Muller on this new difficulty and I cannot tell you the amount of work it entails. I wrote a blow up to Scott Thurman for the breakage of that they sent up and they offer me another at cost price which I accept for I must have a standard to work back upon. Your letters have just come Turner's thanks I send, you enclose, accidentally I suppose a note to Mr Turner which I post on chance of your having forgotten it. Thanks for Mrs C's very nice letter I send her [?]. The Thurmans ate splendidly. I send you [?] letter with my [dacoit] as it is too late to find the Baboo. Very many thanks for your notion of the letters and attention to them in respect of the Review. I hope to get my work over in another week but still we have not had one really fine day - v. busy and partially a thick fog and ground always sodden. It looks like change now but there is nothing to be seen. I am very anxious to get down, without you and Campbell's children this is a weary weary place though Muller and I get on famously. Excuse my [not] saying more at present.

Ever your affectionate

Jos. D. Hooker

Many thanks for your kindness about Thomson. But you have enough with me we will have him to meals if he [comes] and you think proper but he will have as many plants as I have and our one house will not hold 2 collections. On no [account?]....

Nampoh Teesta May [8] [1849]

Dear Hodgson
I write again sooner than I expected to have done [for?] the food coolies having overtaken me already. Nothing remarkable has turned up in any way the coolies behave remarkably well and my camp appears all in good order. The people long the road are as civil as they were when the Rajah so willed it. Those of the lower parts of the valley are much darker and more Limbu like Bhoteas than any I have seen. I am sure they are transition Mongols from transmain to Terai. Still the women and genuine Bhotea, their habitations are very low and terribly hot. I came along another very remarkable dead flat for 2 miles yesterday along the [?] and full 50ft above its level. I doubt not the floor of this valley when the latter was an arm of the Sea. Tendong I quite believe to be an [eruptish?] Mt of its porphyry which has thrown up the clay slate and [mire?] etc. the [rocks?] of the latter dip various ways round the top, when above the Quartz a sort of fine grained Porphyry is found. Hence though the general mass of Himal is owing to the great granite [outburst?] of the central chain, the individual hills and ranges of the SubHimal may be the effects of isolated throes and eruptions antecedent of [paterin] or both to having no direct relation in this finished state to the central chain. Eg. the great throb may have sent up the slates etc of Tendong to a mean level, say of 6000ft and a [succeeding?] local [outburst?] of Quartz porphyry thrown all up still higher and protruded as its conical top. This sundry action as I am tried to explain to you may have so shaken the position of all the strata, that now no relation is [?] to its great range is [preserved?]. I take 2 throes for Tendong but why were there not 10,000 successive ones? a hypoth far more concurrent with [?] upheaving forces each shaking and disturbing not only Tendong but an indefinite area around it. It is evident that no two successive throes will similarly effect the same place for the forces overcome by the first will give place to a rise to other resistances for the 2nd to try on. I am getting on well with my Journal and hope to send it to you soon. I have asked Campbell to send me a bundle of Nepal paper from my room which please let my people put up and take to Campbell for transmission. How gets on Tayler best regards to him. Don't forget to tell me what you think of my picture

Every yr. affectionate
Jos. D. Hooker