Apologises for not replying to L'Héritier's letter sooner, has been in country at [Richard] Salisbury's and at Oxford with Sir Joseph Banks and [Jonas] Dryander looking over [John] Sibthorp's plants and drawings, which are "very fine" and will raise Sibthorp's name from "botanical infamy to very high botanical honour". Thanks for 'Sida' specimens: his 'S. paniculata' "certainly right", has not yet found 'S. arborea' owing to confusion of young Linnaeus' herbarium, remarks on 'S. americana', and L'Héritier's 'S. ricinoides', 'S. aphyllantha', and 'S. cistiflora' appear to be new.

Enjoyed his time in London with [Robert] Batty who now thinks of setting up as a surgeon and apothecary. Broussonet has been appointed professor of oeconomy at Paris and is working on a "Flora Monspeliaca". Returned [William] Withering's proofs, with comments.

His purchase of the Linnaean library and collections for 900 guineas; lists the contents, being everything owned by both Linnaeuses [Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778), and Carl Linnaeus the Younger (1741-1783)], excepting the fossils of the elder which are given to the University of Upsal. Describes his luck of being friends with the man who was employed to negotiate a sale to Sir Joseph Banks. Estimates its value and ability to return. Intends to return to Edinburgh next winter.

Linnaean collections still disordered but Woodward welcome to consult it. Elder Linnaeus' herbarium in "perfect order" but the younger's is unarranged [Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778), and Carl Linnaeus the Younger (1741-1783)]. Offers Woodward first refusal of the duplicate books. Discusses Murray's new edition [of "Systema vegetibilium"], which is a "faulty work", as is the "Supplementum plantarum". Has copy of Artedi for Woodward.

Thanks for Woodward's advice in his last letter; will guard his herbarium but give small displays. [William] Withering's polite behaviour in offering not to make use of the botanical information Smith gave him. [John] Lightfoot and Sir Joseph Banks have both offered Smith their herbariums and assistance for his intended "Flora Britannica". Keeping the fossils for the present and will not move the herbarium, but will bring the grasses to Norwich at the end of June with specimens of 'Orthoceras' and 'Anthericum calyculatum'. Jeans has none of Woodward's fossils. Going to Oxford to consult Dillenius' mosses and Rudbeck's "Campi Elysii" volume 1. Found [Robert] Stone's [(c 1751-1829), botanist] ticket to admit him, as Miss Taylor, into the British Museum.

Confirms that Woodward's specimen of 'Orobanche' is Linnaeus' 'O. ramosa'. Cannot currently procure any of the plants Woodward requested and Leers' "Flora" not currently available in London. Returns the two 'Potamogeton' specimens with notes. 'Alopecurus ventricosus' of [William] Hudson is 'Milium lendigerum' Linnaeus; no specimen in Linnaean herbarium, but a specimen of same called 'Agrostis australis'; 'M. lendigerum' should be erased from Linnaeus' works. Comments on Woodward's specimens by comparison with Linnaeus, and other plants', including: 'Bromus secalinus', 'B. arvensis', 'B. erectus' of Hudson cannot be 'B. racemosus' of Linnaeus, has the specimen of 'Festuca avenacea' sent by Hudson to Linnaeus, 'Festuca repens', 'Carex limosa', 'Brassica muralis' is 'Sisymbrium catholicum', sends seeds of true 'Sisymbrium murale' from Chelsea [Physic] Garden.

Lately found history of his Chinese books and carved rhinoceros' horn in ["Amoenitates academicae"] vol 4. Glad Woodward likes the 'Oleum cajeput' but recommends camphor for cabinets. Not leaving for his tour of Europe until after seeing Sir Joseph Banks.

Encloses a pamphlet he has just printed [possibly "A dissertation on the sexes of plants" (1786)], requests Woodward's opinion. Requests accurate observations for Woodward's theory that 'Orobance [ramosa]' and 'Cuscuta' render barren the plants they parasitically attach to. Observations, from Linnaean herbarium, on 'Agrostis australis' and 'Milium lendigerum' being the same. Notes on 'Bromus erectus', 'Bromus racemosus', and 'Sisymbria murale' in Linnaeus' herbarium. Has learnt how to decipher most of Linnaeus' herbarium marks and has gone through the whole with Sir Joseph Banks.

[Botanical notes on address label on 'Cerastium latifolium', 'Sedum villosum', and 'Spergula pentandra', in Smith's hand]

He has taken all his examinations and taking his degree tomorrow; pleased with Leyden and friendliness of [David] van Royen [(1727-1799)] and [Frédérique Louis] Allamand [(1735-1803)], but the garden is inferior to many in England. Amsterdam garden neater, but [Nicolaas Laurens] Burman [(1734-1793)] is evasive and "shelters his ignorance under his professional dignity". Spends his mornings with Royen looking over his herbarium, his uncle's, Herman's, [Paolo] Boccone's [(1633-1704)], and Ranwolf's; 'Conium royeni' is 'Caucalis daucoides'. Royen recently resigned Leyden botanical chair, reserving use of the garden, and wanted [Carl Peter] Thunberg to succeed him, but a young man of inferior skill was appointed instead [Sebald Justinus Brugmans (1763-1819), physician and botanist].

'Eryngium campestre' and 'Menyanthes nymphioides' only worthwhile wild plants seen so far. Dismisses his dissertation "de generatione" as "an exercise & a sketch". Disappointed by Amsterdam booksellers; his opinion of that town and Leyden. His future movements. Difficulty of finding Leers' "Flora".

Thanks Woodward for his "excellent" drawing of 'Lycoperdon coliforme'; discusses other species including 'L. pedunculatum' and 'L. fraxineum'. Sorry Charles Bryant [(d 1799)] is publishing "his folly & obstinacy to the world"; intends to defer his own paper on the subject. Found 'Lycoperdon stellatum'; his observations, and a new species he is calling 'L. fragile'; definition.

Recently spent two months in Yorkshire and Westmoreland; found many lichens, sent some to [John] Pitchford. Planning an expedition to Loch Lomond, Ben Lomond, Taymouth, Blair, and Dunkeld. His future plans: will spend time in Norwich and London, graduate, and undertake a tour of Europe.

Dr [John] Walker [(1731-1803), Scottish minister and natural historian] has found plants in Scotland not in [John] Lightfoot, including: 'Rubus arcticus', 'Lysimachia thrysiflora', and "indubitable" 'Elymus arenarius'; comparison of latter with other specimens.

Delayed in replying to Woodward by Linnean Society affairs and moving house, the stress of which brought on a fever, pain in the side, and cough of five months duration, now better. Glad Woodward was satisfied with the specimens he sent; recently sent Woodward a paper of his on vegetable irritability via [John] Pitchford. Opinion on his "Introductory discourse" to Linnean Society.

Has little on 'Lycoperdon' except that the little one he sent from Scotland is [James] Dickson's 'fragile'. Confirms 'Astragalus arenaria' is 'A. hypoglottis' of Linnaean herbarium and "Mantissa". Variety of 'Carex panicea' "seems a monster". His house "excellent & pleasant". Asks if Woodward would like to become a Fellow rather than Associate of the Linnean Society; the cost and benefits.

Just returned from Matlock, [Derbyshire], in much better health. Details of Linnean Society fellowship and constitution. Transcribes manuscript note on 'Lycoperdon epiphyllum' from Linnaeus' "Flora Suecica", and his own notes on 'L. pedunculatum'; advises Woodward write only on the English 'Lycoperdon'.

Goodenough received Woodward's 'Fucus' specimens but they have been unable to examine them. Corrects mistakes Woodward made about 'Fucus' in his last letter [30 July 1788, see RelatedMaterial below] and regrets being unable to help with specimens of 'Equisetum sylvaticum' and 'Mentha villosa' at present. Linnean Society has begun to make a library and herbarium of English plants and would be grateful for Woodward's specimens of 'Bromus arvensis', 'Carex limosa', 'C. strigosa', and 'Orobanche ramosa', and he would like 'C. strigosa'.

Saw 'Ophrys loeselii' in [William] Curtis' garden. At Matlock found plants not usually known there, including: 'Thlaspi alpestre', 'Lichen laetevirens', 'L. saccatus', 'L. immersus', and 'Hypnum intricatum' Schreber. Comments that [Richard] Relhan's "vile figure" of 'Thesium alpinum' seems same plant as Gerard's "beautiful & accurate one".

Account of his Highland expedition: only went as far as Loch Lomond and ascended Ben Lomond with Mr Stewart, so often mentioned in [John] Lightfoot's book; found 'Sibbaldia procumbens', 'Azalea procumbens', 'Alchemilla alpina', 'Plygonum viviparum', 'Saxifraga stellaris', 'S. nivalis', 'S. oppositifolia', 'S. hypnoides', and 'S. autumnalis', 'Juncus spicatus' and 'J. triglumis', 'Rubus chamaemorus', 'Silene acaulis', 'Gnaphalium alpinum' Lightfoot, 'Salix herbacea', 'Lichen crinitus', 'L. tornefactus', 'L. polyphyllus', 'L. ventosus', 'L. ericetorum', 'L. caeruleo-nigricans', any many other [unnamed] plants.

Plant acquisitions from Westmoreland, including from Mr Stuart's garden: 'Juncus biglumis', 'Anthericum calyculatum', 'Salix lapponum' and other 'Salix', 'Vaccinium vitis-idaea', 'Cornus herbacea', 'Astragalus uralensis'; hopes to receive more plants from this person soon. Has nearly all the rare Scottish plants, which he is making a collection of for a competition held by Dr [John] Hope. Added following plants to the Scottish flora: 'Polygonum pensylvanicum', 'Senecio sarracenicus', 'Lichen pyxidatus' [William] Hudson, 'Byssus rubra' Hudson, 'Agaricus deliciosus' and 'A. viridis', 'Lycoperdon epiphyllum' Linnaeus. Struggled with 'Fucus' this year; bad coast for sea plants. Details of Woodward's mineral specimens.

The 'Arundo ' in Earsham wood, [Norfolk], is the 'A. epigeios'; requests specimens. Has the true 'Arundo calamagrostis'. Asks Woodward and [John] Pitchford to fulfill the list of desiderata he sent Pitchford for his friends.

Read of heavy snow round Norwich, [Norfolk], they have had scarcely any. Will be as economical as possible his with expenses, though felt much anxiety on finding they will come to much more than first expected. Attendance at balls and frequent dancing. Reported that Edinburgh people are very proud and despise the students, though he has not experienced this himself. Shall endeavour to join the Medical Society and has already attended and spoken twice, hopes his father thinks he has got rid of some of his bashfulness; they are "wonderfully ignorant" of natural history. Dr Home's lectures on Antimony; discussion of composition and application of James's Powder, particularly with regard fevers.

Their letters generally take 5 days travelling. No longer anxious about his expenses following his father's words. Resolved to learn Pharmacy in Edinburgh in the summer and go to London in the winter of 1784, before graduating at Edinburgh. Hopes for better times with change of Ministry; Mrs Beveridge [his landlady] "furious" in her attachment to the old Ministry. Most backward spring in Edinburgh known to memory. Death of Mr Patterson, head of the Medical, Physical, and Speculative Societies.

He and 4 or 5 friends have lately formed a society for the study of natural history, for which Dr Walker, the new professor, offered his museum for them to meet in. Dr [John] Hope an honorary member and 7 other young men have since joined, and the Earls of Glasgow and Ancram, and Lord Dare, have all petitioned to join; particulars of the society. Dr Walker told him he has studied more natural history than anybody he before met with in Scotland. His acquaintance with Dr Hutton; his character; he is an excellent mineralogist. Does not intend to study mineralogy any more than absolutely necessary, contenting himself with strict line of his profession and the "first two kingdoms of nature by way of relaxation"; benefits his small knowledge of this has already brought him. His acquaintances, particularly intimate with [William] Thomson [(c 1760-1806), mineralogist and physician] and [Robert] Batty; their characters. Sorrow at departing of friends.

Responds to letters of 3 April [1782] and 5 May [1782]. Pleasure at his successes at Edinburgh and his parents' at Norwich. Hopes his father will be able to pay him a visit. If [James] Crowe does not come to the Highlands intends to embark on his expedition, accompanied by Dr [John] Hope's son, Mr Hardy, and Mr Lubbock. His sorrow at end of the winter lectures and departure of so many students, including [Robert] Batty. He has started attending the Infirmary and has got over his "disagreeable feelings" from his first attendance there. Their Natural History Society goes on "gloriously", Dr [Joseph] Black has recently joined. Intends to try for Dr Hope's medal for best collection of native Scottish plants, and plants of the Materia Medica.

Shortly moving to a new house. Change in [John Henry] Engelhart from being the "delight & ornament of all genteel companies" to becoming a "perfect debauchee who shuns all polite & virtuous people". Arrivall of Mr and Mrs Cleeve, who is a preacher and apparently not well liked. Account of his friend, Lady Reay. Correspondence with [William] Younge, son of Dr Younge of Sheffield. Responds to Norwich news. Recently read a paper before the Natural History Society on the collecting and preserving of plants which was debated for 3 hours.

Disappointed by his father's not coming to Edinburgh but has resolved to meet him in Yorkshire instead, in company of Dr Broussonet, who knows Sir Joseph Banks and will introduce him to Mr Yeates of London, resident in Carlisle, and will visit [Robert] Batty in Westmorland. Shall only miss a few of Dr [John] Hope's lectures, which "signify little" to him.

Arrived safely in Sheffield, account of his journey from Edinburgh, via Carlisle, [Cumberland], where he saw Mr Yeates; Kendal, [Westmorland], where he stayed with [Robert] Batty and was encouraged to stay for some time on his return journey, which would be a profitable experience; and Huddersfield, [Yorkshire]. Expects his father and brother Francis next week. Afraid his father thinks him too "precipitate" in coming to meet him in Sheffield.

Hopes his father and brother had a good journey home from Sheffield, [Yorkshire]; their parting was more comfortable than their last. His journey from Halifax, [Yorkshire], to here [home of Robert Batty]. Anxious to get back to Edinburgh. Delights of the countryside here. Yesterday and today they have been dissecting a dog and making anatomical preparations. Norwich news. Batty going to London for a few months and may visit Norwich; recommends him and his flute playing to parents, and for them to show his [Smith's] drawings.

Account of his journey from Carlisle, [Cumberland], to Edinburgh, via Moffat, where there is a "sulphureous spring much resorted to". His return met with great congratulations. Dr [John] Hope did not publish his competition [for best Scottish herbarium] in his class, only in their Natural History Society, which he thinks an oversight, Hope thinks Smith will win it. Intends to soon set off for tour of Loch Lomond and Taymouth for a fortnight.

Glad to hear of his safe return home and that their parting was easier for him than last time. Setting out for their Highland tour tomorrow with Mr Hardy, Thomas Hope [son of Dr John Hope], and himself, and one of Dr Hope's gardeners for their baggage, details of their expected journey. Dr Hope did not publish his medal in his class [for best Scottish herbarium] as he did not want to revive the custom, and only meant it as a compliment to the Natural History Society, expects no one but himself to try for it. Urges caution over keeping of Mr Bayfield's herbarium of supposed East India plants

Received his father's letter of 20 August [1782]. Will assist Mr Cooper if he requests it, would be wrong for him to show any "extraordinary reserve". Responds to Norwich news. His tour to Loch Lomond shorter than expected, owing to bad weather, but was "agreeable & successful"; account of the journey to and stay in Glasgow, and onward journey to Loch Lomond, met Mr Stewart, companion of [Thomas] Pennant in one of his tours, ascent of Ben Lomond, and their return journey to Edinburgh. Dr Broussonet sent him copy of his new work on fish.