Experienced a mild winter with primroses in full flower on 30 January, though March was severe. His apricot trees which he protected with copper plate printers' canvas, recommended by Sir Joseph Banks, [Thomas] A[ndew] Knight [(1759-1838)], and [James] Dickson as being superior to Buntine, have many flowers.

Unconvinced by some authors claims that ivy is injurious to trees as it dies if separated from the root; plants of his cut three months ago are showing no sign of decay and neglect of ivy in his gardens has caused much injury but they are now attacking it on trees and transferring it to walls. Mr Knight's peas are not worth cultivating, they produced inferior quantity of seed over two seasons which is now all saved for a third crop. Knight's method for obtaining large onions failed twice as they always run to seed in second year.

Smith's 'Conferva urceolata' is [William] Hudson's 'nigrescens' but could not find it in his drawings as [Lewis Weston] Dillwyn [(1778-1855)] still has them, complains he has had them too long and requests Smith's assistance in recovering them.

Encloses note [extant] from Mr [James] Hoy dated Gordon Castle, [Scotland], 18 Dec 1811, thanking Frankland for specimen of 'Scheuzeria' and detailing the extent of the [Alexander Gordon, 4th] Duke of Gordon's [(1743-1827)] estates.

Recently "whip grafted" 'Ilex' on common oak, having been unsuccessful in the common way, and has one 14 feet high plant cleft-grafted on common oak in uncommon health. They were taken from 100 year old wild trees which are much more hardy than his native trees of beech, lime, sycamore, and horse chestnut, which have graudually died since an unmerciful thinning in 1785, though the 'Ilex' seems uninjured.

Smith's 'Glaucium' was in flower last November, and some raised from seed had yellow flowers. Packed 'Nuphar' seeds received from [James] Brodie in earth, paper, and matting, and sunk with stone in a hard water stewpond secreted by planatation.

Illustrates "lamentable colouring" of 'Ulva plumosa' in "English Botany", which should have been "sap green", as in small coloured sketch [extant]; forgot to send one of the late flowering Gordon Castle, [Scotland], specimens. The late "tormenting" wife of [Alexander Gordon, 4th] Duke of Gordon [(1743-1827)] is now on road to be buried in Scotland and he has never been so happy.

Grafting: in [Thomas] Martyn's edition of [Philip] Miller's "The gardener's and botanist's dictionary" root grafting described as "a newer invention" but has succeeded in whip grafting 'Ilex' onto common oak, and surprised to find root grafting accurately described and extolled in Lowthorp's "Abridgement" vol 2 p.654. Delayed in coming to London by son's illness.

'Salix caprea' "Flora Britannica" is abundant in his woods but called 'sauve', reference to Marshall's "Yorkshire Glossary" "Saus - 'Salix caprea'". Found "host of holly natural layers, & shall layer some hundreds".

Discussion of apple trees: received "Downton pippin, Golden Harvey, Grange apple, & Foxley" from Hereford. Canker developed on his south wall Newton pippin which had fine crops for two years, observed with a lens the destruction of the eggs and insects under the diseased bark with turpentine. Forsyth says train oil is used in Kent, Forsyth himself prefers Torp seeds with terrie, thinks turpentine is as efficacious, plus more fluid and searching and its evaporation does not clog pores. Recommends Indian ink for nurserymens labels as it does not wash out.

Sketch of 'Ulex plumosa'.

Concerned by Smith's illness and abscence from London. [Lewis Weston] Dillwyn [(1778-1855)] apologised for detaining his 'Conferva' drawings. Sir Joseph Banks well and last October increased dose of his gout medicine from 12 to 15 drops daily; it is not proven if it has undermined his constitution. Banks has entire management of the Royal Mint and "pays great attention to it"; Marchant has executed dies for a new 3s & 1/6 pieces; has recommended a coinage of good sixpences to Banks. Drury Lane Theatre proceeding "magically, & will certainly be open early in Oct[obe]r next"; only regret is that the avenues around it "will remain blocked up precisely as they are now".

Previously sceptical of the fiorin grass called 'Agrostis stolonifera', or couch, but now convinced on its excellent qualities and on encouragement of Dr Richardson and Mr Miller set to convert his "dreary moors" to "the finest hay grounds". He is also improving a new farm which was only £20 rent, expecting in a few years for it to be worth hundreds, independent of the trees; he shall be "a better compatriot than either Pall Mall or Manchester Square [both in London] can boast of". Comments on an event that was a "total dereliction of principle & of all honourable feeling" and is very sorry for his country.

Has known [Thomas William] Coke since childhood at Eton [College, Berkshire], but ashamed to have never taken up any of his many invitations to Holkham, [Norfolk]. Struggling to catalogue his books. The weather is "miserably wet". Does not think his wife will ever regain her spirits to enjoy company.

Transcribes extract from letter just received from a friend, the governor of Banda [islands in the Indonesian archipelago]: collecting plants into his garden and requests to know the desiderata in England, and how they are described; requests Smith's assistance on strength of a book of his he has just read and describes the advantages of his location. Johnes forbears on commenting on the politics or the state of that country. Now has a daily post to and from London.

Congratulates Smith on the recovery of his health. His own health good except for a weakness in the hip. Forwarded Smith's enclosure to [Harvey] Spragg, thanks to convenience of new daily post.

Thinks that Sole of Bath, [Somerset], was too hasty is declaring 'Agrostis stolonifera' as "black couch" and "the worst grass that grows" in the Wiltshire Agricultural Report, as he [Johnes] is convinced that it will become the "most beneficial discovery that has been made". He was first alerted to it by the "greediness" of his cattle in seeking it out, and hopes to have nearly 100 acres of it next year.

Believes weather here is better than elsewhere; they have only had one very rainy day and are in expectation of a good harvest. Current politics are "disgusting", and expects the Catholics to "be thrown aside" in spite of the "fine promises" made.

His concern for Smith's family and mother following a "calamity" and "insane" conduct of a Russian. Held a dinner at Liverpool for [Henry Peter] Brougham [first Baron Brougham and Vaux (1778-1868), lord chancellor, at this time prospective MP for Liverpool]; the Lords present "spoke with great spirit" and letters from principal members of both Houses of Parliament were read; believes the meeting will draw connection between the "commercial & manufacturing interests & the nobility & great proprietors of the land" closer, which is essential for the prosperity and safety of the country. Quotes stanza from Thomas Gray's [(1716-1771), poet] poem "A Long Story" in declining Smith's invitation to visit Holkham, [Norfolk, home of Thomas William Coke].

Hopes to visit [Thomas William] Coke at Holkham, [Norfolk], in October after parliamentary election where they hope to return [Henry Peter] Brougham [first Baron Brougham and Vaux (1778-1868), lord chancellor] and [Thomas] Creevey [(1768-1838), politician]. Trearing his sprained knee with leeches and astringents, which will limit his outdoor pursuits but as Smith has no "voracious appetite" for this will be content with his company.

Prevented by his knee injury from joining Smith in his visit to Holkham, [Norfolk, home of Thomas William Coke]; suggests postponing until spring. Mortified by Liverpool election result.

His knee injury worse and confinement with rheumatism or lumbago across the "loins" prevents him from paying Smith and [Thomas William] Coke a Christmas visit. Has written and printed a review [see RelatedMaterial below] of [George] Canning's [(1770-1827), politician] Liverpool election speeches in response to his continual "attacks and sneers against all peaceable people". Repairs to his library and new additions, including a frieze in distemper by Michaelangelo under a picture of his master, Ghirlandaio.

Arrangements for visiting Smith. Criticises the writing of Dr [Walter ?] Wade and Mr Schmaltz [possibly Constantino Samuel Rafinesque-Schmaltz], particularly the latter's work on 'Verbena nodiflora'. First meeting of the Linnean Club taking place today.

Thanks for his election as an Honoray Member of the Linnean Society. Concerned to hear Smith forced to leave London through illness; may be prudent not to resume Royal Institution lectures.

Comments on "most execrable" figure 'Fontinalis capillacea' in recent "English botany"; account of specimens growing in one of his fir plantations along with [William] Borrer's 'Rivularia verticillata' and suppositions by [Dawson] Turner and others.

[Spec 6 written in pencil on verso of first folio]

His failing sight. Sends specimen of 'Fontinalis capillarca' to rectify his "former blunder"; apologises for his "censure" on [James] Sowerby. Discusses 'Sphagnum capillifolium'; observations.

Arrived at Rose Castle, [Cumberland], after 5 days "tedious" travel on account of invalids. Has long been wanting to write to Smith about the "variety of portentous matters which have lately engaged all men's minds". His extreme busyness.

Requests Smith send to Wisbech, [Cambridgeshire], the books and drawings left in his custody. Visit Lincolnshire, will return to Wisbech via London.

Thanks for return of books and drawings. Ill-health prevented him from attending first Linnean Society meeting of the winter. Introduces Dr Heyne of the Madras establishment, a botanist. [William] Roxburgh "incessantly employed" in his botanical studies; recently acquired 'Strychnos colubrina'. Intends to return to India in the spring. Smith should expect "interesting botanical communications" from William Hunter, who accompanied the expedition to Java. Comments on Roxburgh's "clustered leaved" 'Pinus'.

Hopes to meet Smith at Linnean Society meeting of 7 [December]. Offering 200 specimens of Mauritius plants to Linnean Society, with descriptions; also collected woods and minerals but they are currently detained. Asks that Smith bring drawing of "a fine 'Malvaceous' tree with large yellow flowers"; observations; [William] Roxburgh unable to determine it; sending transcript of description he gave Roxburgh in 1810 [extant]. Description of 'Malvaceous' tree.

Thanks for seeds, delayed by [Friedrich Traugott] Pursh's printing of "Flora Americana". [Robert] Brown to visit before going onto Oxford, also visited by Sir George Staunton and [Thomas] Hardwicke. Comments on Smith's 'Magnolia' article in Rees' "Cyclopedia", has two drawings of Plumier's 'Magnolia'. Sends specimens of 'Silene' from Dover, [Kent], for Smith's opinion.

Lady Essex has taken up botany. He has never had so many new plants from foreign seeds, including Mexico. Much amused by second volume of Clark, though laments meddling of the booksellers.

["Spec 14" written in pencil at top of verso of first folio]

Received specimens of what appears to be 'Zannichellia [palustris]?', gathered from a Bradford canal by [Edward] Pigott [(fl 1790s-1800s)], a marine botanist; observations; wishes to know whether to forward it to [James] Sowerby. Asks after progress of "Flora Britannica" and "Flora Graeca". Invites criticism of his "Illustrationes Theophrasti".