| Reference number | NLB/14/377 |
| Alternative reference number | NLB/14 p212 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Copy letter from Michael Foster, to H J Hapgood, Her Majesty's Office of Works |
| Date | 1 March 1897 |
| Description | Referring to Hapgood's letter of 24th February, Foster states that the advantages for scientific study at he Royal Gardens, Kew, on which the Memorialists of January 1893 insisted, would be most seriously lessened if the plant houses et cetera, were closed until noon, the remainder of the grounds being thrown open.
The scientific study spoken of in the Memorial is not confined to the plant houses and museum but is largely carried on in the open grounds. Privileged persons are allowed to examine, freely and minutely the plants growing in all pats of the garden, to handle the labels et cetera. Such freedom, which is very highly prized, would obviously be impossible if the general public were admitted. Even if the privileged persons were distinguished by wearing some conspicuous sign, the general public would resent the advantages offered to such persons. Moreover, keeping the plant houses and museums locked would be, in itself, a hindrance to study in the houses, besides presenting obvious administrative difficulties.
Foster feels sure he is speaking on behalf of all the Memorialists in expressing the earnest wish that the present most useful arrangement may not be interfered with. |
| Extent | 1p |
| Access status | Open |
Fellows associated with this archive
| Code | Name | Dates |
| NA8220 | Foster; Sir; Michael (1836 - 1907); physiologist | 1836 - 1907 |