Handwritten letter from Professor W. Hillhouse to W. H. Wilkinson regarding E. M. Holmes' Algal Library. Hillhouse that says that the sum which Holmes asks for is substantial and that W. A. Cadbury wished the matter to be submitted to him originally, so that he could decide for himself. Hillhouse comments on the prices of certain books that Holmes had listed and ultimately says that Holmes if offering books of extraordinary merit. The letter spans six pages and is written on University of Birmingham letter paper, with the crest at the top of the letter. Underneath, on the left side, 'Department of Botany. Professor W. Hillhouse' is printed.