Keeping Woodward's specimens of 'Ulva atomaria' and 'U. ligulata' to finish their descriptions, but not publishing them in "English botany" before "Linnean Transactions", 'U. diaphara' appearing in July. Returns Woodward's 'Chrysanthum', thinks it 'C. inodorom'. Received wild Hampshire 'Tamarix gallica' from Maton. Changes made to Woodward's 'Ulva' paper. Breakfasted with [John] Stackhouse yesterday; discusses Stackhouse's and [Thomas] Velley's quarrel over fructification of 'Fucus', thinks Stackhouse "most in the right"; his general dislike of disputes; he and Stackhouse have agreed to call 'Ulva/Fucus punctatus' 'Fucus maculatus'.

[David Elisha] Davy's "metamorphosis" into an "unfrocked state". Received another visit from Stackhouse, who is like Woodward in "face & speech", but taller, desiring him not to get involved in his dispute with Velley; his relief, as Velley is an "endless talker". Intends to leave for [Thomas] Johnes' in Wales morning after Linnean Society anniversary meeting.

Has amongst his Scotch plants a perforated 'Ulva', near 'Agarum'. Goodenough's and his paper on Fucus' will be read on 2 June. Has nearly engaged a house opposite Lee's garden in Hammersmith, [Middlesex], and the Society are also taking a house and employing a clerk. He has "many weighty matters" on his mind but "remarkably well, & too much occupied to be melancholy". Intends to publish new genus 'Boronia' in next number of "[Botany of] New Holland" [in honour of François Borone].

Thanks for Smith's "Syllabus [of a course of lectures on botany]". Sorry to be missing Smith in Norwich previous to his going into Wales. His poor health: constant swelling of his foot and ankle and shrinkage of his person. [William] Withering would like Smith to visit him in Birmingham, [Warwickshire]. Glad Smith likes [John] Stackhouse, though does not have a personal acquaintance with him. Concern at Smith's move from London to Hammersmith, [Middlesex].

Ordered to attend the embassy going to Ava, Burma, and anticipates being away for nine to ten months, doubts he will find a draughtsman. Sent Smith plants and seeds via Messrs Mercer and Bryce. Asks Smith to remember him to old friends, especially Baillie Young and Lubboch.

Thanks for seeds [not named] and pleased that the specimen he sent [illegible] has met with approval, the plant of which is the most "beautiful vegetable [he] has yet seen in bloom", and was sketched by Mr Bacon.

Thanks for introduction to Dr Duncan, who has been visiting. Details of a business transaction. Notes that Smith will receive a letter from [Christiaan Hendrik] Persoon. Encloses a recently published pamphlet, ["De vi vitali sanguini..." (1795)]. The "enigmatical sea-animal of the class of worms" from Linnaean collections that Smith sent Blumenbach is a 'Sabella' as described in [Johann Samuel] Schröter, "Einleitung in die Conchylienkenntniss nach Linne" (1783-1786).

Writes in reference to 'Pyrola uniflora', specimens of which he once sent to [James] Hoy of Gordon Castle and which has since been included in a work of [James] Sowerby's, but believes Sowerby has not succeeded in correctly documenting it and will send more specimens for further attention. Relates that John Mackay [(1772-1802) employed at Dickson nursery, Edinburgh] has discovered many plants in north and west Scotland overlooked by [John] Lightfoot, list sent to Sowerby along with specimens of 'Eriocaulon decangulare', Mackay to send seeds of same shortly. Recommends Mackay as a collector. Has received from Dominica seeds and drawing of plant sent as the true 'Iecacuanha' but believes it to be 'Asclepias curassavica' as does [Daniel] Rutherford, will send specimen if desired.

Has reminded [John] Mackay [(1772-1802), employed at Dickson nursery, Edinburgh] to send specimens of 'Eriocaulon decangulare'. Thinks [James] Hoy an excellent botanist. Behaviour of 'Pyrola uniflora' on island of Harris leads him to believe that [Richard] Gotobed's account is wrong. His woods plentiful with 'Satyrium repens' and 'Ophrys cordata', sending specimens of both to [James] Sowerby. Has been unable to find 'Satyrium albidum'. 'Linnaea borealis' flowering well in his botanical garden but has never found it wild, will ask [James] Beat[t]ie about it.

Writes on introduction of Mr Este, following request for introductions in Europe.

[Smith has noted his reply on recto of folio]: sent letters of introduction to Professor Hoffmann, Göttingen; Professor Oriani, Milan; and Dr Dana, Turin.

Desires admission to the Linnean Society as an Associate.

Has written to Mr Edwards of Pall Mall about taking his [second volume of] translations from "Amoenitates Academicae"'. Informed by [Thomas] Marsham of his election into Linnean Society [as an Associate].

Still interested in medical news even though his medical studies long disrupted by his ill-health. His friends Dr Johnstone and son of Worcester wish to send their publications on nerves and poisons to European medical professors; asks for directions to Scarpa in Pavia.

Sends Dr Johnstone's books [on nerves and poisons] to be sent on to Scarpa. His health improved since marriage.

Sorry to hear of Smith's indifferent health in the "severe" winter. Botanical queries: asks if there are any species of 'Malaxia' other than 'M. paludosa'; what is "peat-moss"; is 'Brassica muralis' to remain or be reclassified a 'Sisymbrium'; what is the species of 'Geoffraea', now 'Hopea', Smith saw in his hothouse; which seeds of syngenes flowers to make trial of; are there plants called 'Aristolochia nigra' or 'A. hyeanalis'; what is new name for 'Osmunda crispa' and 'O. struthiopteris', is it now 'Davallia canariensis'. Found 'Hesperis inodosa' near Falmouth, [Cornwall].

Correction of his previous letter: wishes to know all species of both 'Malaxia paludosa' and 'M. exacum'.

Arrangements for visiting Smith. Parcel [from Dr Godfry Christian Reich of Germany] has arrived.

Sends books from Dr [Godfry Christian] Reich, explains discrepancies in contents.

Plans to accept [Thomas] Marsham's invitation to dine with Smith and others. Offered MD diploma by Dr [Godfry Christian] Reich as part of his membership of Imperialis Academia Naturae Curiosorum, [Erlang, Germany]; asks Smith and Dr Simmons to sign the certificate in his support.

Hopes to send Smith plates needed to make up his set of "[General] synopsis of birds", requests copy of Smith's "Tour of the continent" and "English botany". Does not dare venture beyond indigenous plants. Offers to forward letters for Smith to Dr Reich, Willdenow, and [Johann Christian Daniel von] Schreber [(1739-1810), physician and botanist].

Sending Smith the remaining five volumes of his "[General] synopsis [of birds]", will charge Smith at bookseller to bookseller rate. Requests copy of each number of "English botany" as it is published.

Received letter from [Johann Christian Daniel von] Schreber [(1739-1810), physician and botanist] informing him of progress for his diploma for doctor in medicine and surgery. Transcribes section relating to Smith, in Latin: thanks Latham and his colleagues for offer to be admitted to the Royal Society; asks to subscribe to "Linnean Transactions".