In 1847 Joseph Dalton Hooker (1817-1911) embarked on an expedition to Sikkim in the eastern Himalaya, a region where he would discover a huge number of botanical treasures previously unknown to the West. A scientist of breath-taking ability, Hooker would go on to become one of the greatest botanists and explorers of the 19th century and is perhaps the greatest of the lauded Directors of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.In this fascinating travelogue, author Seamus O'Brien retraces Hooker's footsteps in Sikkim, bringingalive the adventure, dangers and discoveries that Hooker and his companions experienced in the mid- 19th century. Seamus describes how his drive for this expedition came from a yearning to see in the wild the plant discoveries made famous by Hooker, who described the region as 'a perfect microcosmof the Himalaya.' Following in Hooker's footsteps, the author describes how these places compare to the descriptions made by Hooker 170 years previously, and how in many ways how little Sikkim has changed little over the course of time.Hooker was a highly skilled geographer and cartographer, and in Sikkim he created the firstcomprehensive map of the kingdom, highlighting mountain passes that would be of enormousstrategic value in the decades to come. Some of these maps are reproduced in the book along withHooker's original sketches of the region and plants, as well as illustrated throughout with stunningphotographs by the author.This is a wonderful celebration of one of the greatest adventures by one of history's greatest scientists,and ideal for anyone with an interest in the flora and history of the region.

The standard biography of the botanist, of which this first volume includes many letters written to Charles Darwin.

Joseph Dalton Hooker (1817–1911) was an internationally renowned botanist, a close friend and early supporter of Charles Darwin, and one of the first—and most successful—British men of science to become a full-time professional. He was also, Jim Endersby argues, the perfect embodiment of Victorian science. A vivid picture of the complex interrelationships of scientific work and scientific ideas, Imperial Nature gracefully uses one individual’s career to illustrate the changing world of science in the Victorian era. By analyzing Hooker’s career, Endersby offers vivid insights into the everyday activities of nineteenth-century naturalists, considering matters as diverse as botanical illustration and microscopy, classification, and specimen transportation and storage, to reveal what they actually did, how they earned a living, and what drove their scientific theories. What emerges is a rare glimpse of Victorian scientific practices in action. By focusing on science’s material practices and one of its foremost practitioners, Endersby ably links concerns about empire, professionalism, and philosophical practices to the forging of a nineteenth-century scientific identity.

A new edition, carefully revised and condensed.

The book contains the current status of very common plant species in South Sikkim. Here proper identification, distribution, important descriptions like flowering times, habit and habitats, their families and the ethnic values has been well described. The authors has passed the contents through the well known experts from State Forest Department who are genus specialized or some has dedicated their life working on the state flora. Content has been carried through the Botanical Survey of India Gangtok for correct identification of the plant species. For convenience to the readers, beside Botanical names, common names and vernacular names has been provided. To make it more easy, plants’ name has been given in five well spoken languages viz, Nepali, Bhutia, Lepcha, Limboo and Rai. Entire content is presented in simple yet appropriate language with clear and colorful images. Application of the plants are given with proper consultancy with the local expert, collection of data from local markets and traditional practitioner. Everything has been well cared before presenting to the readers from author’s side.

Tells the fascinating story of plant hunter Augustine Henry's life and travels

The importance of wetlands to life on Earth is now generally accepted. This is a reference book and identification manual for the vascular plants found in permanent or seasonal fresh water in the subcontinent of India south of the Himalayas. About 660 species are described, and all plantsare illustrated by line drawings showing the diagnostic features. The text is written in a style for both experts and those with only a little botanical training. Scientists and conservationists will be able to identify the plants with accuracy and to build on this information to promoteconservation.