No summary available.

Believes the enclosed letter from W. H. Harvey refers to his candidature for a position in Dublin College. Thinks him a worthy candidate. Would like to show the Herschels round Kew anytime.

Regarding the habits and flowering of Cape bulbs. Has just had a good collection from the Cape. The Dublin post is still vacant.

A friend of his would like JH's advice on a suitable telescope.

Has received the enclosed from James Graham and would be pleased if W. R. Dawes would choose an instrument.

His letter possibly did not reach him as his friend is still inquiring about a telescope for Lima.

Many thanks for the trouble he has taken over the matter of the telescope for Lima. His own son Joseph is a candidate for the chair of botany at Edinburgh and would be grateful for a testimonial.

Is grateful for JH's testimonial for his son Joseph. Wishes the Herschels would come and look around Kew. Regarding the Cape bulbs. Has no official person to collect seeds.

Regarding a botanical garden at the Cape and suitable staff. Would like to join with JH in a memorial to the Colonial Office.

Has heard nothing from him regarding the Cape garden. Wrote to the Colonial Office advising that the Cape garden should be similar to that at Ceylon. Hopes he agrees that Wynberg is the most likely spot.

Thinks it a good idea to send a memo to the Colonial Office on the question of a Cape botanical garden. Has consulted W. H. Harvey on the question. What a curious plant is found on the coasts of Africa.

The Professor of Botany at the Royal Dublin Society has died. Would like to propose their friend W. H. Harvey for the position. Would JH write a letter of commendation to the Society?

Has been requested by George Eden (1st Earl of Auckland) to contribute the botanical section to the manual to which JH alludes. Comments on this and the requirements for a manual of this type.

Has finished his paper for JH's Admiralty Manual and it only requires copying. Can reduce it if necessary.

Sending his notes for JH's Admiralty Manual. Would have been earlier but he dislocated his left shoulder and had to have the services of an amanuensis.

Regarding the reasons for the confusion in the nomenclature of the genus Wellingtonia and Sequoia. Comments on the aquatic Anacharis.

Apologises again for apparent attacks on Smith in "Flora Scotia", which he will correct in the next edition; thanks for mention of botanical errors, but still differs on matters of opinion, including: does not agree about 'Salix', maintains criticism of "English botany" figure of 'Aquilegia vulgaris', cannot credit Smith for his work on 'Mentha' due to space, took his ideas on sexes of 'Tussilago' from multiple authors. Most hurt that Smith believes rumours that John Lindley [(1799-1865)] was the principal author, explains his involvement.

From Smith's paper on 'Hypnum recognitum' in "Linnean Transactions" vol 13 presumes he has not seen his own account of 'Hypnum recognitum' in "Flora Londinensis". Concedes he made an error respecting 'Rubus chamaemorus'.

Thanks for botanical information in Smith's last letter, and for Smith's "friendly & affectionate manners". Unsure of [Joseph] Sabine's intentions in erroneously reporting John Lindley's [(1799-1865)] involvement in "Flora Scotia".

Discusses his proposed "Species plantarum" in English, which will neither be a translation of Candolle's "Prodromus" nor an entirely original work; details; will be able to profit from consulting Smith's "English Flora"; queries on terminology; encloses a specimen of the work; will not commence printing until his return from London and Paris in March.

Has not received Nepalese plants from [Nathaniel] Wallich except one collection sent 5 years ago, and now understands that the East India Company requires that they have the distribution of all the specimens, but he continues to receive mosses from Wallich. Pleased the Company sent Smith "so fine a parcel of ferns", thanks the 'Darea' from it, which he wishes to figure in his "Exotic flora". Encloses a "fern-like plant"; observations; wishes to name the genus after its discoverer, Mr Parker; asks if 'Pteris thalictroides' or 'Pteris cornuta' belong to same genus. He has established botanical correspondence with Demerara and St Vincent's; has mosses to send Smith; wishes to consult him about 'Orchideae', of which every new species forms a new genus.

Lists plants for his "Exotic flora", including 'Marcgravia umbellata', 'Cassytha filiformis', 'Cytinus hypocistus'; has two plates engraved of the nutmeg and two new 'Tillandsiae'; about to figure 'Artocarpus incisa' and 'A. integrifolia'. Discusses 'Lepraria iolithos'. Expects "great things" from the unexplored parts of North America, having sent two botanists to the north-west coast; one is to join Captain Franklin and return overland with him, and the other to explore the vicinity of the Columbia [River]; appointing a third to go with Captain Franklin and Dr Richardson on their expedition as far as Saskatchewan and to remain their two years; further details. [Francis] Hamilton and [Francis] Boott both enquired after Smith.

Visiting English friends; desires to call on Smith.

Asked by [George] Hibbert and [Alexander] Macleay to nominate a candidate for superintendence of the Botanic Garden of Jamaica; nominates [James] MacFadyen [(1800-1850), physician and botanist]; his qualifications. Thanks for agreeable afternoon he and his family lately spent with Smith in Norwich.