Has obtained Peter Huber's paper on "the natural history of the humble-bees" for the Linnean Society and relates some of its principal discoveries; Huber is the son of William Huber of Geneva who published an "ingenious" work on hive bees five years ago including discovery that the queen bee is impregnated out of the hive whilst on the wing and that it is fatal to the males. Huber intends to publish further observations on bees in a second volume, including on the small pouches between the segments on the undersides of the abdomen, in which wax is inserted, and has also observed that the "yellow matter" found on the legs of bees is "bee bread", as discovered by John Hunter [(1728-1793), surgeon and anatomist] before him, but Huber found that this was known to an "old English author on bees which was translated early in [the eighteenth] century into German".

Grateful for Smith's assistance in helping him through France and during his "exile" intends to work on framing much better characters for the division of 'Phalaena' [moths]. Unable to give an account of [Edmund] Davall. Comments that "our revolution" has passed off without bloodshed [French invasion of Switzerland], however at the first moment of its revolt every Englishman except himself left Lausanne as it was expected that the [French] would attack, forcing the cantons to gradually fall off [from the Swiss Confederation] and leave Bern at the mercy of the French. Asks whether [William] Kirby has published on bees as was being reported before leaving England.

Staying with [Edmund] Davall in Orbe, gives a detailed account of Davall's current condition and its history. Believes Davall's condition to be more epilepsy than paralysis and to have had its immediate cause in overwork and overeating from the delusion that he was threatened with a consumption. Detailed description of Davall's fits, has been prescribed powder of valerian root with a little musk to be taken 3 or 4 times a day, has also been treated with "calomil bark" and "flores zinci". Davall experienced much uneasiness having only heard rumours circulated by the French as to the condition of England, has been relieved to hear of the efforts of English resistance. Believes Davall will recover. Comments on the beauty of the area around Orbe. Hopes to send a work by Linnaeus he found in Bern, Switzerland.

Update on [Edmund] Davall's health, which has become more settled with only one partial attack in the last 13 weeks. Davall's physician has prescribed "pills of asafoetida" but finding them too heavy Clark suggetsed Davall take gentle doses of opiates to ease his irritability which also had the benefit of easing his constipation. With [Peter] Hubert has been correcting the paper on bees, comments that the style is heavily influenced by [René Antoine Ferchault de] Réaumur [(1683-1757) French scientist]. Comments on the pleasing appearance of the Alps now that the snow has melted. Is hopeful of obtaining a passport for France from Mr Pitch of Geneva, for which he wrote a piece on veterinary co[lleges] for the "Bibliotheque Brittanique". If disappointed shall return to England via Germany.

Relates events of [Edmund] Davall's death, which occured 26 September 1798. Davall had been confined to his bed for the last three weeks, describes his health in the run up to his death. Died as the apothecary was applying sinasims [mustard plasters] to his feet. Mrs Davall very miserable at her loss. Shocked by Swiss custom to dress and bury the dead in their best clothes, believes it is strongly insisted on by the lower classes. Davall has left Smith his Herbarium. Clark concerned that Davall's "splendid collection" of books shall be a heavy burden to the family in the current distressed condition of Switzerland and Europe. As he has no prospect of getting to France he shall shortly to return to England, having been away 14 months. Hubert sending his paper on bees soon.

Sends copy of "Bauer's drawing done by Ennis" [not extant]. Asks is Smith intends a paper on the new genera he mentioned [unnamed]. Sir Joseph Banks has undertaken direction of the engravings [for Lambert's book "Description of the genus Pinus"] after being shown the drawings. Asks if 'Pinus orientalis' is in the Linnaean collections or anything else worth observing, and whether there is any information in Peter Collinson's [(1694-1768) botanist] letters, mentions Smith's intention of publishing them. Presided at Linnean Society, paper read on "the zoology of Leith" by Robert Jameson. Mungo Park [(1771-1806) surgeon and traveller] has returned from Africa "with great discoveries".

East India seeds received from [Robert] Brown are already growing. Found an undescribed 'Geranium sanguineum' very similar to 'Geranium lancastriense'. Has increased his collection of' 'Orchidiae'. 'Erica glutinosa' in flower in his garden. Seeds Smith sent are growing, including the supposed 'Adansonia', 'Supatrens calsamina', creepers, and the "Carica papaya". Description of two 'Sophora monosperma' he has raised. Requests that the genus similar to 'Dillenia' that Smith is to name after him be named 'Valentiana', asks if the disputed 'Dillenia indica' is of this new genus.

Has not heard from Smith since 1796, uncertain if this is due to the turbulent times or if Smith is even alive. Receives curious plants from his botanic correspondents, believes many are unknown in Europe. His attempts at describing them hindered by inability to determine the trivial names without the Linnaean herbarium. Asks for Smith's observations on plants he has previously sent and asks permission to send more. Struggles with complexities of 'Carex', 'Asclepias', 'Vaccinium', 'Aster', 'Solidago', 'Viola', 'Salix', and 'Hedysarum'. Gives brief descriptions of local species of 'Vaccinium' he has already sent to help Smith determine the trivial name.

Glad that Smith has received "Hindoostan" [volumes one and two of "Outlines of the Globe"]. Complains of unfair treatment from the Linnean Society in their censuring him for profiting from his publications. Defends himself: states that he has never made a profit on his books, and has always kept back twenty copies of each run to gift; explains his finances; requests Smith to accept his voluntary resignation from the Society. His son David commanding corps of 100 men from the two parishes of their estate.

Thanks for Smith's "Tracts of Natural History", especially pleased with the account of [Conrad] Gesner [(1516-1565) Swiss naturalist]; discusses Gerard's death. Taking foxglove ['Digitalis'] for his anascara. Was introduced to Mrs Kindersley [a relation of Smith's] the last time he was at Bath, [Somersert]. Asks if Smith knows anyone who can give an account of the colours used in "Hindostan paintings", specifically if any are chemical.

Preparing a "Hindoostan" supplement [to volumes one and two of "Outlines of the Globe"] for publication in spring. Asks for an account of the Norwich shawl industry including materials and wools used.

Thanks Smith and [John] Harvey, [of Norwich, presumably for information on shawl industry]. Received news from the Lieutenant of [HMS] Canada of the victory at Lough Swilly, [Ireland, British defeat of a French fleet carrying members of the United Irishmen, plus troops, to assist in 1798 Irish rebellion against British rule]. Taking treatment of broom infused in gin for his anascara, description of its effect. Encloses extract from his intended "Hindoostan" supplement [to volumes one and two of "Outlines of the Globe"], "Of the shawl wool" [folio number 8.59].

A discharge from his leg has relieved his discomfort [from anascara]. Comments and questions on wool-bearing animals with references to his "History of quadrupeds" and "Arctic zoology", including: musk-ox; argali; broad tailed sheep; bearded sheep; caramanick sheep; Angora goat; shawl goat of Tibet, heard that Lord Egremont sells them [George O'Brien Wyndham, 3rd Earl of Egremont (1751-1837)]; camel; llama; and vicunna [vicugna].

Awaits receipt of Linnean Society diploma. Sends description of new fungi for possible inclusion in "Linnean Transactions". Asks for engravings of the drawings of fungi he previously sent including: 'Peziza onotica', 'Boletus cinereus', 'Boletus rubiginosus', 'Stemonitis leucostyla', 'Sphaeria ochracea', and 'Lycogala conica', [Smith has marked each with a cross], and for prints of the treatise as he is publishing his "Synopsis fungorum". Expecting packet of dried plants, requests 'Filices' and 'Lycoperdon phalloides'. Sends regards to Bracy Clark and [James] Dickson.

Smith has summarised his reply on verso of second folio: returns five of the drawings to be named; his paper shall be printed in fifth "Linnean Transactions" volume; intends to name a 'Persoonia', was beaten by [Martin] Vahl to name a 'Schraderia'; will send dried plants; requests 'Coliforme'.

Sends description of a peculiar variety of beech for "Linnean Transactions". In anticipation of being made a FMLS has already described himself as such in his recent publications.

Thanks for Smith's reply. Would like to make Smith's acquaintance in London when he next comes for his annual visit, although she is compelled to leave the country in May. Took note of Smith's hint of introducing botany into a novel although believes modern tastes in fiction for "gigantic and impossible horrors" will not make it appear vapid enough to the "admirers of spectre novels and cavern adventures", nonetheless has included a little in her latest [presumably "The Young Philosopher" (1798)].

After discussion with [William] Withering, prior to publication of third edition of his ["Botanical arrangement"], believes that the two varieties of 'Ulex' are distinct species on account of the lengths of calyx. Reports his own observations and agrees with Withering, and that a repeated blunder with 'Ulex' has been passed down in every "Flora" since [John] Ray. Has submitted a paper on this [see RelatedMaterial below]. Character of 'Ulex elatior' and 'Ulex europaeus'. Delaying his remarks on the "curious animal" 'Medusa' until after more observations next summer.

Sends West Indies plants and Swedish 'Musci'. Longs to see Smith's new genera recently published in "Linnean Transactions". Hopes to finish his "Flora Indiae occidentalis" next year. Hopes Smith received the papers he sent including one by him on ['Epidendrum'] L. Praises [Archibald] Menzies' new arrangement of 'Polytrichum'. Preparing a paper on 'Ehrharta' for "Linnean Transactions".

Finds that no.427 [of "English botany"] they settled on for 'Tragopogon pratense' is already occupied by 'Humulus lupulus'. Encloses drawing of 'T. farfara' no.429; he will bring the rest, with the 'Boronia', to Sir Joseph Banks'. Considering beginning vol 7 [of "English botany"] with 'Epimedium alpinum'.

List of plants for plates 415-435.

Hopes Smith received the mycological treatise he sent for Linnean Society two weeks ago. Sends additional sheet describing species he missed in his treatise.

Thanks Mrs Smith for turkey. Unable to recommend Bracy Clarke to the directors [Executive Directory, body of five directors that held executive power in France, 1795-1799] for obtaining a passport, but nevertheless admires his acquirements as a veterinary surgeon.