TO
HIS GRACE THE DUKE OF ARGYLL, K.T., F.R.S.,
SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA,
PRESIDENT OF THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY.OF LONDON;
&c. &c. &c.
My Lord Duke,
The fact of this first part of the "Flora of British India" appearing* during your Grace's tenure of office, and under your instructions, affords me the welcome opportunity of following a time-honoured custom in dedicating that work to you. And I congratulate myself on being so circumstanced, since I am thus enabled to express my respect for your high scientific attainments and for those original observations and writings which have appeared during the long period that has elapsed since I first enjoyed the privilege of friendly intercourse with your Grace, which long antedates your scientific career and my official connexion with you.
I am.
Your Grace's faithful and obedient servant,
Jos. D. Hooker.
Royal Gardens, Kew,
March 15, 1872.
