[John] Pitchford sending Smith specimens of 'Orobanche ramosa'; observations and long character description. Received 'Oleum cajeput' from Pitchford. Ordered [Richard] Relhan's "Flora Cantabrigiensis" for Smith. Requests Schmidel's "de Buxkaumia" and Schreber's "de Phases" if he comes across them in Europe.

Replies to Smith's letter of 24 October [1785], having heard that Smith's Europe trip is postponed until spring. Further observations on 'Orobanche ramosa' he sent Smith and another parasitic plant in Huntingdonshire, 'Cuscuta'. Responds to remarks on plants in Smith's previous letter [see RelatedMaterial below], including: 'Milium lendigerum' being 'Agrostis australis', 'Bromus', 'Festuca repens', and [Charles] Bryant's [(d 1799)] 'Carex'. [Richard] Relhan to publish a Cryptogamic appendix to his "Flora [Cantabrigiensis]"; comments on 'Sphaeriae'. Comments on 'Sisymbrium murale' and 'S. catholicum'.

Sends specimens for [Samuel] Goodenough, including: 'Orobance ramosa' near Bungay; 'Lobelia urens' Shute Common, Devon; 'Galium pusillum' Matlock, Derbyshire; 'Melampyrum arvense' near Norwich, Norfolk; 'Marchantia conica' Bungay; 'Lycopodium alpinum' Old Man of Coniston, Lancashire, the hill evidently a former volcano; and 'Astriplex pedunculata'. Sends 'Orobance ramosa' for Sir Joseph Banks, [James] Dickson, and [William] Curtis and will send Banks Norwich specimen of 'Bromus arvense' when found. Sends Smith possible variety of 'Ervum tetraspermum'.

Examined [Albrecht von] Haller's plates and descriptions according to [William] Hudson's reference; notes. List of his Hudson desiderata: 'Poa alpinia', 'Juncus filiformis', 'Elatine alsinastrum', 'Orchis corioptore', 'Salyrium hircitrum', 'Carex limosa', and 'Carex strigosa' are marked. Sends Smith specimens of 'Marchantia conica'. His bookseller, T Miller, reports from Portland sale that lots sold cheap, that Da Costa was a great buyer, and Royal Admiral shells sold for £1 6s 9d each.

Remarks on Smith's comments in his previous letter on Amsterdam and Leyden; wonders whether [Nicolaas Laurens] Burman [(1734-1793)] reminded Smith of [William] Hudson. Compliments Smith's literary style in his letters and translations. Has failed to find 'Orobance ramosa' in hemp fields again. Books to acquire, including Leers' "Flora", Schreber's "de Phasco", [Schmidel's] "Dissertio de Buxkaumia", and Bulliard's plates ["Histoire des champignons" (1791-1812)]. News of mutual East Anglian friends. Asks if Broussonet intents to publish any more of "Icthyology".

Replies to Smith's letters of 2 October [1786] and 12 February [1787]; pleased that Smith still thinks of his Norwich friends; thanks for Bulliard [plates for "Histoire des champignons" (1791-1812)] and offer of Leers' "Flora". Comments on [Anders Jahan] Retzius' [(1742-1821)] output. Thanks for 'Gnaphalium luteo-album' and 'Agrostis minima'. Smith's access to so many famed herbariums like "taking a journey to Jupiter or Saturn". Smith's 'Senecio acanthifolius' must be "magnificent". If Smith travels through Switzerland recommends consulting [Albrecht von] Haller's [(1708-1777)] herbarium as useful for a "Flora Anglica" considering so many Swiss plants are native to England. Comments on Smith's account of his travels, including visit to [Louis] Gerard, time in Genoa with Marquis [Ippolito Durrazo], Florence, and [Lazzaro] Spallanzani's [(1729-1799), Roman Catholic priest and natural historian] disgrace, and the non-reviews of Smith's tract attacking "so great a personage".

Has not found any new cryptogamia this winter but [James] Dickson's expedition to Scotland produced 150 new species of mosses, jungermanniae, and lichens, though many were lost when [James] Crowe's portmanteau was stolen. Saw Smith's mother in Norwich who informed him of [Robert] Batty's relapse, including vomiting blood. An election declared void on account of bribery by House of Commons following petition by Sir T Beever, details of reelection. Death of his father-in-law, Mr Manning; short confinement after long decline from diabaetes.

Heard of Smith's arrival in Paris, agreeable tour to Mount Cenis, and travels in the Alps; discusses Saussure's "Voyage dans les Alps"; thanks for promise of Alpine specimens to complete English series. Will show [James] Pitchford Smith's account of 'Malampyrum sylvaticum', though is convinced the other is 'M. pratense'; infallibility of [John] Ray and [William] Hudson. [James] Crowe found 3 specimens of 'Ophyrs loeselii' on St Faith's bogs, [William] Sole found them near Cambridge, roots sent to [William] Curtis and [James] Dickson.

Difficulties of Dickson's new Scottish botanical discoveries. Keen to learn more about 'Fucus', at Cromer, [Norfolk], saw 'Ulva plumosa', 'Ulva fistulosa', and 'Fucus verracosa'; observations. Discusses acquisition of books: Leers' "Flora", Retzius' fasciculus, and Bulliard's plates ["Histoire des champignons" (1791-1812)].

Discusses Smith's living arrangements for near future. Asks Smith to pick up parcel from [William] Withering for him; contains a variety of 'Carex panicea'. List of London commissions for Smith to carry out for him including books and desiderata list [extant, 4 pages of plant names, some have been marked].

Smith's imminent establishment of a botanical society [Linnean Society, founded 1788]; discusses possibility of writing a paper on 'Lycoperdon' and difficulties of its current classification, and suggests additional paper on 'Cryptogamia'. Message for [Samuel] Goodenough: waiting for response from his Yarmouth, [Norfolk], friend on 'Fucus'.

Thanks for Smith's letter and parcel of specimens, including 'Ophryis loeselii' and two other 'Orchideae'; sent it on to [John] Pitchford, who lectured him for making a joke about Lent; thanks for Retz and Bulliard works. Received Hedwig's work on mosses; his opinion. Requests Smith's opinion of variety of 'Carex panicea' in the parcel from Robinson's. Requests Smith's notes on 'Lycoperdon', particularly 'L. pistillace'; still thinks 'carpobolus' is distinct from 'Lycoperdon' and that [James] Dickson's 'Mucor urceolatus' and this should form new genus under 'Carpobolus'.

Anticipates Smith's "Introductory discourse" [to Linnean Society]; wonders whether to write on 'Lycoperdon' to correct [Charles] Bryant's [(d 1799)] mistakes. Mrs Woodward thanks Smith for the "holy chaplet". [James] Crowe has estranged himself over the election. Attempts to acquire 'Fucus' specimens.

[In postscript on recto of second folio] asks whether 'Astragalus arenarius' of [William] Hudson is 'A. epiglottis' of Linnaeus; observations.

Asks after Smith's "botanical institution" [Linnean Society]; understands they met at Smith's house and that Smith's introductory discourse was well received. Still waiting on Smith's 'Lycoperdon' notes so he can write paper on the genus; justifies his decision to focus on only British species. Sends parcel of a few marine plants for [Samuel] Goodenough, asks for his and Smith's opinion. [John] Pitchford has the true 'Fucus pinnatus' of [William] Hudson but convinced it is 'cartilagineus' of Hudson in fructification. Sends Goodenough specimens of common brown 'Fucus' of Yarmouth beach; observations on its "newness", specimen enclosed for Smith [envelope extant but specimen missing, labelled 'Fucus subsuscus', located 18.74].

Hopes Smith has recovered from his illness. Would prefer to be a Fellow rather than Associate of the Linnean Society; requests information and rules of the Society. Pleased by Smith's short paper on the irritability of plants. Postponing writing his 'Lycoperdon' paper until the winter; requests Smith's notes and transcript of Dillenius on 'Bovista'.

He and [John] Pitchford searched in vain for 'Ophrys loeselii' in St Faith's bogs, which have been improved and drained, but found new habitat for 'Carex limosa'; [Robert] Stone [(c 1751-1829), botanist] found 'Carex strigosa', a "capital addition" to the Norfolk flora. Received four specimens of 'Algae': 'foeniculaceus' of Gmelin and [William] Hudson; 'Abies marina' of Gmelin but erroneously labelled; a non-descript 'Fucus'; and a non-descript 'Conferva'; observations on all. A recently published figure of [Louis] Gerard's 'Thesium alpinum' does not resemble the Suffolk plant, asks for comparison with Linnaean herbarium. Requests specimens of 'Equisetum sylvaticum', 'Mentha villosa', and 'M. sylvestris'. Asks if 'Fucus pyriferus' Linnaeus is Sir Joseph Banks' 'Fucus giganteus'.

Confirms his intention to become a FLS and sends specimens for their herbarium, including 'Carex strigosa' for Smith and Goodenough, and 'Fucus', including: specimen resembling [William] Hudson's 'F. obtusus' and 'Ulva filiformis'; a 'Conferva'; and others. Discussion of 'Lycoperdon epiphyllum' and 'Serrhula arvenii', latter observed as parasitic in bean fields. Requests specimens of Smith's Matlock plants, including 'Lichens'. Discusses figures of 'Thesium alpinum'.

Asks after botanical publications, including Bulliard's "Champignons", Leers' "Flora", and Bolton's "Fungi", errors with the latter. Sends parcel of seeds of 'Carex strigosa' for [William] Curtis. Attended [Thomas William] Coke's "magnificent fête" at Holkham on 5 November; the newspaper reports were not exaggerated. All anxious for news of the King [George III (1738-1820)], whose illness has been "universally deplored".

Replies to Smith's letters of 23 January [1789] and 8 February [1789]; thanks for parcel of plants, including 'Ecinophora spinosa', no longer considered a British plant, and the 'Cryptogamia'. Requests 'Ligusticum cornubiense' lately found in Cornwall. Thanks for [Dillenius] transcript from "Catalogus [plantarum sponte circa] Gissam"; has not made further progress with his 'Lycoperdon' but sends another paper on 'Fucus subsuscus' [see RelatedMaterial below] inspired by letter from [Samuel] Goodenough. Comments on new paper, which includes additional notes on 'Ulva plumosa', but not a new 'Ulva'; observations on this. Discusses 'Fucus setaceus', a possible new species, and other marine plants.

Will send Linnean Society specimens of 'Polypodium phegopteris', 'P. dryopteris', 'Galium boreale', and 'Carex strigosa'. Approves of Smith's plan and reasons for an "Observationes botanicae" instead of a "Flora Anglica". Offers to write account of 'Fucus hypoglossum', after acquiring permission of Sir Joseph Banks. The unexpected recovery of the King [George III (1738-1820)] "transfer'd his disorder to the nation, such universal uproar is occasion'd by it"; illuminations in Norwich; describes Bungay's alternative more muted celebrations. Discusses doubts over 'Carex caespitosa' and 'C. gracilis'.

Mild and wet winter but his health good aside from remains of rheumatism. His farm goes on, "like the nation, very flourishing"; financial issues. Anticipating arrival of "Linnean Transactions". Intends to meet [Samuel] Goodenough in London to accelerate their work of examining 'Fucus', will finish his 'Lycoperdon' paper afterwards. Requests return of his paper on 'Fucus [fastigiatus]' and 'F. farcellatus' for revision; requests loan of Linnaean 'F. farcellatus'.

Commissions London lodgings from Smith; his requirements. Intends to wait for an original edition of Leers' "Flora" as the plates in the new edition are badly copied. Discusses Sir John Rous' [1st Earl of Stradbroke (1750-1827), politician] and Lady Rous' interests in botany; John is more practical, forming large plantations with American and other forest trees, he may buy Smith's L'Héritier for his wife. Discusses Smith's forthcoming publications. Discusses specimens or figures of 'Lycoperdon coliforme' and 'Ligusticum cornubiense'; [William] Hudson's statement of knowing its habitat "a piece with the rest of his assertions"; thinks the fire was fortunate for his credit as he could not have always refused a reference to his specimens.

Urges Smith to publish his travel journal, to "convince the world that a botanist can write English intelligibly & that he can give some observations beyond the names & places of growth of plants".

Discusses his figure of 'Lycoperdon coliforme'; would like a specimen of Smith's 'L. fragile'. Describes [James] Dickson's method for preserving fungi. Found 'Hydnum infricatum'; observations, sent specimen of that and 'Agaricus' species to Dickson. Unfavourable season for fungi. Added 'Leonurus cardiaca' and 'Alopecurus ventricosus' to the Norfolk flora. Has a specimen of 'Lysimachia thrysiflora' but would be glad to see the true 'Elymus arenarius'; previously saw [James] Crowe's and [William] Curtis' specimens.

Asks after the mineral specimens Smith offered to procure for him. Has acquired copies of [Sébastien] Vaillant's [(1669-1722)] "Botanicon parisiense" and Phillip Miller's copy of [Pietro Antonio] Micheli's [(1679-1737)] "Nova genera plantarum".

Broke his collarbone and bruised his arm and leg in a stagecoach accident; refused to go to a surgeon and went straight home; making a good recovery; all of the 17 or 18 travellers were injured. Thought of their parting words but does not blame Smith. Smith's "distressing" visit to Sir Joseph Banks' [apoplectic fit and death of Charles Godfrey Woide (1725-1790)].

Encloses certificate nominating [Robert] Stone [(c 1751-1829), botanist] as FLS. [John] Pitchford claims 'Geranium pusillum' is Dillenius' and not Ray's, so Pitchford can consider an error in the plant or engraving as it is not the fault of "Pope Ray"; discusses his own work on 'Geranium' including comparison with Scopoli and [Albrecht von] Haller [(1708-1777)]; convinced old 'Geranium rotundifolium' is Haller and Scopoli's 'G. malvifolium', but the plant exists in herbarium as 'G. pusillum', suggests solution.

His broken collarbone healing well. Gathered 'Fillaea muscosa' for [James] Dickson and will find 'Carex strigosa', 'C. pulicaris', 'C. diocia', and 'Mentha villosa'. Asks Smith to purchase and send the Chinese jar he saw off of Broad Street when last in London, description.

Thanks for Smith's letter of 29 November [1790]. His health good this winter; surprised at the effect of quicksilver, knowing it can only act mechanically, yet it removes any obstruction. Gave up shooting as he believed the violent exercise in hot weather caused stomach spasms.

"Charmed" by first number of "English botany": the paper, print, and execution of the plates "so much superior" to [William] Curtis' "Magazine"; advises [James] Sowerby to avoid "Flora Londinensis" plants for as long as possible. Recommends Sowerby's figure of 'Lycoperdon coliforme' for "Spicilegium botanicum" or "English botany". Discusses his paper on 'Lycoperdon'; rough draft almost finished; nine-tenths will be a response to [Charles] Bryant's [(d 1799)] pamphlet; requests references from Smith, listed. Fear of gout.

Repeats list of references needed for his 'Lycoperdon' paper [Smith has annotated in pencil his responses and remarks].

Requests copies of Smith's "Icones pictae" and "Spicilegium botanicum". Encloses letters from Sir John Rous' [1st Earl of Stradbroke (1750-1827), politician] gardener and a friend at Yoxford, [Suffolk], on 'Cyclamen europaeum' in its apparent wild state.

Sends his paper on 'Lycoperdon' [see RelatedMaterial below]; comments on its composition and contents; all the figures but one copied by [Robert] Stone [(c 1751-1829), botanist] from Schaeffer and Bryant, requests if printed this one is redone by Smith's sister; sends specimens. Thanks for [John] Pitchford's Swiss 'Schoenus ferrugineus'.

Requests English and Latin copies of "Icones pictae", plus "Spicilegium botanicum". Has seen [Richard] Salisbury's publication ["Icones stirpium rariorum.."]; prefers Smith's "Icones", in spite of its "magnificence"; "English botany" well received but thinks the figure of 'Orchis conopsea' badly figured, warns [James] Sowerby to maintain the quality from first number as [William] Curtis is "much complained of for that". Sends 'Tilloa muscosa' for [James] Dickson and will send 'Carex strigosa'.

Encloses just found specimen of 'Lycoperdon fornicatum' specimen, which proves it is a new species.

Pleased his paper on 'Lycoperdon' met with Smith's approval; sent specimens as he is convinced his remarks will stand the test of comparison; asks Smith to correct any errors. Requests copy of "Spicilegium botanicum" for [Robert] Stone [(c 1751-1829), botanist] glad "Icones pictae" has sold so well; eager to see "Linnean Transactions"; last number of "English botany" "excellent", especially the 'Trientalis'.

Has not yet seen Sir Brooke Boothby's [7th baronet, (1744-1824), poet and writer] response to [Edmund] Burke [(1730-1797), politician] but hopes to have it for his book club; Burke's book was a "perfect meteor which blazed for a moment", surprised people could be so led away by a "parcel of high sounding sentences, which when analysed, appeared to have very little meaning". Hopes Smith finds his 'Lycoperdon' specimen from Edinburgh so his note can continue; issues of addressing Smith in his paper. Wishes Smith and [Samuel] Goodenough would settle whether 'Fucus elongatus' Linnaeus is same as 'F. lorens' Hudson. Thought Smith reviewed [John] Berkenhout's [(1726-1791), physician and naturalist] "Manual" in the "Critical [Review]", as the person knew the Linnaean herbarium.