[8g]

(F.D)

Kew, April 21. 1882

My dear friend

It would be idle for me to attempt to say a word more to you in the terrible affliction which has befallen your family

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than to tell you with how profound a shock and with what deep distress we heard the news of your father's death yesterday afternoon

To me it comes with an absolutely stunning blow. I feel you will not think my saying this an [impertinence] with the weakness which one is too apt to show where one's affections are touched. I as you know refused to allow myself to contemplate the possibility of this

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dreaded event being in the immediate future. Your father was not merely in my eyes the most august name in modern science. Besides this he was a man whom I deeply venerated, & if I may say so loved. His character and

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temperament gave to the business of scientific work a dignity of which the smallest labourer in the field could not but share the moral influence.

I have felt it the greatest encouragement

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of my life to know him personally and contribute even the smallest aid to his work. Through the rest of my days I shall look back to the recollection of what I have seen of him as to a secret treasure.

His passing away will leave a sad blank here. His interest and enthusiasm lifted so much that was tedious out of the ruck of routine and made it seem worth doing.

To my wife it will

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give even a deeper pain. So much of the delight of her child-life is associated with your father and with Down

Ever yours sincerely

W. T. Thiselton Dyer