Attended a dinner at Clare Hall, Cambridge, with [William] Webb and Dr [Martin] Davy, who hopes for Smith's success [in campaign for Cambridge botany professorship]; neither [George] Leathes [(1779-1836)] or Davies were mentioned [Smith's rivals for professorship]. The university divided on mode of election as there has not been one for a botanical professor for fifty years, and whether the college heads can reduce the number of candidates to two.

Attended Linnean Club dinner; [Alexander] Macleay in chair supported by [William] Smith and [Joseph] Sabine, William Webb admitted a FLS by Sabine, [Edward and Thomas Furly] Forster also present, [William George] Maton absent on account of death of his father, and [Thomas] Marsham absent until "times are better with him". Sir Everard Home [(1756-1832), physician], took chair at Royal Society as Sir Joseph Banks too ill, two archdukes who wanted to become FRS announced and duly elected. A botanical publication brought from Paris by Bowater for [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert seized with the contraband items it was packed with. [William Elford] Leach, "the great zoological reformer", has been elected FRS and Duke of Norfolk [Bernard Howard (1765-1842)] nominated by Banks. Presumes Smith and the Council will propose a plan for amending Linnean Society finances.

Hopes [William Elford] Leach's long paper in the new volume of "Linnean Transactions" ['A tabular View of the external Characters of Four Classes of Animals'] will not lead the Society to be called the "Crabby, or Crusty Society".

Lady Cullum pleased by her visit to Smith. [William] Webb, Master of Clare Hall, wonders if the Cambridge collge heads can reduce the number of candidates to two [Smith's campaign for botany professorship].

Reminisces that at this time of year in his youth he collected 'Orchis mascula' in the meadows and 'Ophrys aranifera' in the chalk hills and pits. If in Yorkshire this summer hopes to see 'Trientalis' growing on its native soil near Scarborough and to pick 'Primula farinosa', as [William] Curtis did. Glad Sir Joseph Banks is well but wishes [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert in better spirits. Enquires if a Linnean Society list for 1788 was printed, to complete his collection of 1789 to 1815 inclusive; a minute of the first meeting in his possession lists Smith, [Samuel] Goodenough, Jonas Dryander, James Dickson, John Beckwith, Thomas Marsham, and John Timothy Swainson in attendance. Wishes Marsham had continued as Secretary.

Smith missed at Linnean Society anniversary meeting and dinner; Bishop of Carlisle [Samuel Goodenough] took chair with [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert and Lord [Edward Smith-]Stanley, [William George] Maton, [Jelinger] Symons, [Edward and Thomas Furly] Forster, and President of Horticultual Society [Thomas Andrew Knight] also attended. Glad Smith and Sir Joseph Banks have been elected honorary members of the Horticultural Society, though concerned whether both it and the Linnean Society can thrive. Leaving for Yorkshire shortly. Little notice taken of [Thomas] Marsham's resignation letter. [John] Francillon's [(1744-1816), entomologist] ill with asthma and dropsy, no hope of recovery.

Developments at Cambridge leave him hopeful for Smith's success [campign for botany professorship]; Dr [Martin] Davy wants Smith to admit himself a member of Pembroke College. Bundle of Cayenne plants left for Smith by Sir Thomas Gage.

Accepts Smith's invitation to visit in Norwich. His sister, Mrs Palmer, unwell with a "great weakness" in her bowels. Hopes Smith received parcel of Cayenne plants sent by Sir Thomas Gage on leaving Hengrave, [Suffolk], for the continent.

Received Smith's letter of 17 September. Invites and suggests itinerary for Smith to visit the Bury Fair in October. [John] Hemsted [(c 1747-1824)], a contributor to "English Botany", staying with him. His admiration of the Master of Caius [College, Matin Davy].