Thanks for Pleasance's letter. Weather "very hot", and he is going on with his "[English] Flora". Asks that Pleasance give "dear little Pleasy some kisses for [him]". Comments on flowers in the garden, including 'Coreopsis tinctroia', 'Agapanthus', and 'Balsam'. His plans for the next few days.

[Note by Pleasance Smith on recto of second folio] "I think this is my dear James's last letter!".

Puzzled to understand how Smith has made Harriet [Drake, William Drake's wife] FLS. Her aunt [with whom she is staying] looking well; changes to the garden; saw ruined church at Covehill and another at Southwould in good repair; bought china, description and small sketch; local prices for agricultural produce, the present state is "ruinous", other agricultural distresses; her findings from researching the Sidney family.

Change in the weather; "extraordinary phenomena" of a "yellowish substance" observed on surface of rain water cisterns which on burning proved to be sulphur; Mr Dalton the chemist says it has not been observed since the execution of Charles I and Cromwell's usurpation, as mentioned by Baker, unable to find this in his "Chronicles"; other opinions on the cause, including being swept up from volcanic mountains. Discussion of Norwich election with Bishop of Norwich [Henry Bathurst (1744-1837)]. A grebe taken on a ship's deck; sent to be stuffed. A very bad mackerel voyage, causing the pedlars to make trouble. Dined at the Lockwood's; a picture of Mrs Lockwood's great aunt by Sir Thomas Lawrence.