Arrangements for visiting Smith. Criticises the writing of Dr [Walter ?] Wade and Mr Schmaltz [possibly Constantino Samuel Rafinesque-Schmaltz], particularly the latter's work on 'Verbena nodiflora'. First meeting of the Linnean Club taking place today.

Received specimens of what appears to be 'Zannichellia [palustris]?', gathered from a Bradford canal by [Edward] Pigott [(fl 1790s-1800s)], a marine botanist; observations; wishes to know whether to forward it to [James] Sowerby. Asks after progress of "Flora Britannica" and "Flora Graeca". Invites criticism of his "Illustrationes Theophrasti".

Thanks for supply of turkeys. Mr Brown visiting Smith on the subject of 'Tetradynamie', praises Brown for the work he has achieved on it. Would like [Sir William Jackson] Hooker to inform Banks where to obtain the "Keland[?]" book with a view to a new translator. Dr Wright visiting Banks and informs him the garden in Edinburgh will advance very fast with the new gardener.

Busy with the National Schools for the Education of the Poor. Received Smith's shilling in the post and notes it was not tampered with; wishes others were as careful as Smith in ensuring their correspondence is not chargeable to the recipient, as the "vain-glorius Lancaster" [probably John Lancaster (1778-1838), Quaker and public education innovator] did to him in sending a copy of his "seditious" speech in Ireland and an Irish newspaper. Refuses to join the Linnean Dining Club as he does not wish to have his carriage waiting so publicly outside the British Coffee House, the chosen venue for it. Unsurprised to read that "riot & robbery stalk abroad uncontrolled", and even expected it considering how the upcoming generation of men educated upon Lancaster's plan were kept from religious notions and now have a "very general indifference with respect to all religion". No Linnean Society news, [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert "enamoured of being in the Chair". Currently preparing two arduous sermons.