We have commented elsewhere on Mr. Ayrton's defence, and the
Treasury Minute, but may state here that while the former is crammed with imputations on Dr. Hooker, the latter declares that he " deserves the gratitude of his country," and is to be let alone except in matters involving expense. Expense is not Dr. Hooker's foible, be having reduced this year's estimate for the Gardens by £1,000, and having resisted Mr. Ayrton's plans for the Museum chiefly on the ground of their cost. Unfortunately, the Premier, probably through some want of local knowledge, has drawn a distinction between the Garden and the Arboretum, which it will in practice be found impossible to maintain. We presume, how- ever, that after the distinct verdict in the Director's favour given by the Treasury, this mistake will be speedily rectified, and the whole establishment left in the hands of the Director, subject to the general control of the First Commissioner of Works, to be exercised through him. We question if that is done whether the public will bear again of Sir J. Lubbock's motion, which at present stands for some day next week, when the pressure of formal but necessary business will be excessive. The Public Health Bill is going through, but the chatter about the Licensing Bill knows no end ; nights are given up to sterile talk upon Admiralty reform, and there are whole sections of the Supplies still to be discussed. Fortunately the Thames is clean, the weather a little cooler, and the House not much more out of temper than it usually is in summer.
