Has finished looking over [Peter] Collinson's [(1694-1768)] manuscripts, still deciding whether to print Collinson's garden catalogue. "Our worthy friend" [Richard Salisbury] has called several times, saying "as usual a thousand things he did not mean", supposes Smith has seen the compliment to him in last number of "Par[adisus Londinensis]". Received what he believes is specimen of 'Juniperus oxycedrus' from Lord Blandford [George Spencer-Churchill], asks Smith to send specimen of same for comparison.

Sends copy of [Peter] Collinson's [(1694-1768)] manuscripts for approval. Purchased from Lord Bute [John Stuart, 1st Marquess of Bute (1744-1814)] the last part of herbarium of "Garcin" which contains all of Haller's plants including Haller's 'Orchidiae', and Lord Bute's herbarium, which he intends to go to a friend.

Complains about his publisher White who has not sent out books as promised and made imperfect copies of Lambert's book. Complains about an individual [possibly Richard Salisbury] who borrowed Lambert's copy of [Charles] Konig's work on ferns and made notes in the book. After discussion with [Robert] Brown also observed that this individual did the same in Sir Joseph Banks' copy of Smith's "Introduction" in reference to "Menzies plant", a dispute over how he obtained his information. Lord Valentia [George Annesley] has just had a "dreadful operation", the first sheet of his "'Travels" has just been printed, intends addressing Salisbury severely in the first volume over his "very indecent paper". Has just written an account of his own herbarium for possible publication.

Has looked over Governor [Philip Gidley] King's [(1758-1808)] plants from New Holland [Australia] and added 300 new species to his own collection. Has things to tell Smith about "a certain person". Mrs King has brought back a case of 6000 insects she intends to part with and a case of shells she means to keep.

Dined with Sir Abraham and Amelia Hume. Apologises for the unintentional affront of giving a specimen to Andrews without realising Smith wanted it. Received collection of New Holland [Australia] specimens from the bursar of Governor [Philip Gidley] King's [(1758-1808)] ship including a 'Fabricia' in flower. Has set aside [Jacques-Julien de] Labillardière duplicates for Smith. Smith styled a "celebrated lecturer" in latest number of [Richard] Salisbury's "Parad[isus Londinensis]", hopes never again to have to entertain Salisbury or [William] Hooker [(1779-1832), botanical artist for "Paradisus Londinensis"].

Assured [Robert] Brown that Lady Essex has not grown the New Holland plants 'Corylus' and 'Psychilis' as evidenced from her gardener's ignorance and Hooker's continued misinformation [it was revealed that Salisbury had stolen drawings from Sir Joseph Banks and published them as his own]. Requests specimen of 'Juniperus oxycedrus' from [John] Sibthorp's collection as no one knows what it is. Received from Mr Hamilton specimen of the "Cedar of the Ancients" taken from the Acropolis in Athens, [Greece], appears to be 'Juniperus bermudiana' or 'Juniperus oxycedrus' of Hawkins. Speculates on Smith's future articles for [Abraham] Rees' "Cyclopedia".

Has dined several times with Sir Abraham and Amelia Hume, on the last occassion Lady de Clifford was there dividing a box of Cape bulbs. Hopes to see Smith's paper in tomorrow's "Monthly Magazine". [Richard Salisbury] "begins to expect there has [sic] been some enquiries about Lady Essex's nonentities"; he and [Robert] Brown now believe that Salisbury stole his figure of 'Byblis' from Sir Joseph [Banks'] [Salisbury had claimed that he figured the Australian plants 'Corylus', 'Psychilis', and others from Lady Essex's garden, who never had the plants].

Given [Lieutenant-]General Francis Grose's [(1758-1814) Governor of New South Wales, 1792-1794] collection of New South Wales plants collected by [William] Patterson [(1755-1810)]. Also collection of drawings of birds, fish, animals, and plants. Amused by Smith's letter in "Monthly Magazine" [in April 1808 edition, explaining the dissolution of his friendship with Richard Salisbury]. Dismisses Smith's suggestion that it is Dr [William Fordyce] Mavor [(1758-1837)] who writes in the magazine, everyone believes it is [Charles] Konig, gives his reasons.

Lists general contents of the Wernerian Natural History Society's first volume. The Edinburgh Natural History Society founded by Smith, of which Neill was Secretary for two years, is in a "flourishing state", botanical members include Mr Shuter, Mr Kennedy, and Edward Maughan. Neill had hoped to incorporate the two societies but due to their different natures and composition of members was impossible. Admits that the Wernerian name has caused some offence. A blunder over 'Dicksonia arborescens'. 'Lichen frigdus' figured in "English Botany" covers Hoy Hill, Orkney. Location for indigenous 'Imperatoria ostruthium'.

Printed letter informing Smith of his election as a non-resident member of Wernerian Natural History Society, signed by Neill as Secretary. Neill has written to Smith on second folio, concedes that the name of the new society "is not very happy" and although named in honour of [Abraham Gottlob] Werner [(1749-1817) German geologist] it will not focus on mineralogy. [Carl Ludwig] Willdenow's book ["The principles of botany"] marred by its faulty translation.

Sends copies of medal and jeton struck in honour of Linnaeus, apologises for poor quality. Agrees with Smith that botany is an "introduction to amiable characters", it is inspiring philanthropy in him. Comments on Lord Beauclere's epitaph in Westminster Abbey [Lord Aubrey Beauclerk (? 1710-1741) naval officer]. Received New Holland [Australian] plants from [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert, pleased that so many are named after botanists. Recollects his visit to Norfolk to [James] Crowe's Salicetum and collecting 'Verbascum pulverulentum' and ['Scabiosa']. Leaving Europe shortly, fears he will not be able to meet [Dawson] Turner or [William] Roscoe. Compliments Smith's "Introduction to Botany".

The war [between Britain and France] has disrupted their correspondence for two and a half years, sends recent "transactions" of [Swedish] Academy [of Sciences]. Effect of the war on Swedish science: isolated from foreign literature, except for occassional communications from Britain, has seen parts of Smith's "Exotic Botany" and "Flora Graeca" and [Dawson] Turner's "Hist. Fucorum". Only remarkable things produced in Sweden have been the "Swedish Botany and Zoology" [Palmstruch's "Svensk botanik" (1802-1819)?], supervised by himself, and [Johan Peter] Westring's "history of the lichens". Isolated from European colleagues, which has disrupted the planned collaboration between himself and [Daniel Matthias Heinrich] Mohr [(1780-1808)] on a "Synopsis or Historia Muscorum", and [Heinrich Adolph] Scharder's Gottingen printing of [Erik] Acharius' "Lichenographia universalis".

Concern over fate of an "instructif [sic] present" sent to the Linnean Society by Acharius. [Carl Peter] Thunberg and [Adam] Afzelius are living in Uppsala, the latter has written on the Swedish 'Rosa' and put his "African treasures" aside. Report of a "secular celebration of the birthday of a giant man [Linnaeus]", including a eulogy by Dr [Sven Anders] Hedin, one of his former pupils, held in Linnaeus' first school in Wexiö [Växjö], and a grand fete at the Academy of Uppsala. It is the only instance in Sweden of a public honour being given to an individual subject. The museum and auditory were also consecrated, attended by "many thousands" including most of the old "Linnaean disciples" who gave the whole "a most venerable appearance". Eager to see new genus of moss ['Hookeria'] described by Smith.

Thanks for letter and seeds of 'Limosella aquatica'. Recently received letter from [James] Sowerby containing a statement of his fasciculus [presumably Don's "Herbarium Britannicum" (1804-1812)], the first he has received since publishing the first 5 years ago; in "consequence of his negligence" he has brought "very considerable expense" and will be forced to give it up after printing seventh and eighth numbers. If Sowerby was the sole publisher of "English botany" he would not send any further plants, but encloses 4 of his recent discoveries for Smith's account.

Numbered observations on enclosed specimens: 1. 'Hypericum barbatum' or 'H. elegans'; 2. unknown species of 'Lamium', like 'L. amplexicaule', suggests 'L. intermedium'; 3. possible 'Juncus fasciculata'; new species of 'Equisetum'. Had intended to send them to be published in "Linnean Transactions". Identified one of the grasses he sent Smith last year as 'Agrostis arumdinacea', and has possibly found 'Bromus triflorus'.

Has had a sharp fit of gout in his right hand. Hopes Smith liked his last alterations [probably to Smith's Latin]. Sees that Smith has "pacified [George] Don at once, he appears to be a most valuable correspondent", disusses Don's 'Carex' specimens. Hopes to be in London by 10 January [1809].

Received the 5 drawings [for "Flora Graeca"] safely. Hopes to received money from [Thomas] Platt soon [(d 1842), one of John Sibthorp's executors, supervised the publication of "Flora Graeca"]. Received lichens from [Charles] Lyell but has experienced problems with microscope; requests drawing of 'Lichen caesiferus'. Thanks for Smith's condolences on death of his daughter, Felicia.

[Written on recto of proof page from "English Botany" no 1916, dated 1 August 1808]

Satisfied that the toad Smith has encountered is the 'Bufo terrestus' of [August Johann] Rösel [von Rosenhof] and the natterjack of Banks' neighbourhood in Lincolnshire. Describes some of its habits and large population on Putney Common and at Wimbledon. [Thomas] Pennant hated toads so much that "he shrunk even from a picture of one". Would be glad if Mrs Smith continues supplying turkeys. Has received a letter from Nottingham, stating that the ['Grauis'?] on the banks of the Trent are only autumnal flowering because the cattle eat them down in the Spring, and that the true saffron crocus is abundundant in the same place.

Insists that he sent a franked letter to Smith after leaving Rochester, it included praise of Smith's "Introduction to Botany" [not extant]. His new duties at the House of Lords more time consuming than he anticipated. Thinks naming plants after unworthy people "lowers the science" [in reference to Richard Salisbury naming 'Hookera' after his botanical artist William Hooker [(1779-1832)]. Sends back Smith's work [for "Flora Graeca"] with queries on Latin usage for several items. Spent the day with [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert who has just received large addition of [New] South Wales plants to his herbarium. Sir Abraham Hume, Admiral and Mrs Essington, General [Francis (c 1758-1814)] and Mrs Grose, [Alexander] Macleay, [Thomas] Marsham, and Lord Seaforth were also there. Wrote to Dawson Turner correcting 'Griffithsii' to 'Griffithsiae'. Persuaded Hume to become a FLS. Shall discuss the new Geological and Entomological societies the next time he sees Smith. Mrs Lynn in decline. Hopes to visit Smith's sister in Liverpool on his way to Carlisle.

Discusses etymology and usage of 'Atho' in "Flora Graeca". Reassures Smith he read and sent a letter on Smith's "Introduction to Botany". Advocates revival of exhibits of material at Linnean Society meetings. Thinks Smith correct about Dr [Samuel] Johnson's [(1709-1784), author] "shard-born beetle". Sick of attending the "tiresome, ill-conducted debates" at the House of Lords.

Forwarded Smith's letter to [George] Don, did not know that 'Limosella' cannot be found in Scotland but remembers it growing on Hounslow Heath and cultivating it in his Ealing garden. There are no naturalists in the Carlisle area or anyone to collect plants. Lists plants he has observed in the area: the variety of 'Plantago maritima' called 'Loeflingii' by [William] Hudson, in elevated moist positions, smaller and with untoothed leaves, does Smith know of it growing in such conditions away from the sea; 'Salix pentandria' in all the moist hedges; 'Campanula latifolia' in shady lanes by Rose Castle; 'Fumaria capreolata' in cornfields amongst turnips, contrary to Smith's statement that it is a southern plant; 'Senecio sarracenicus', possibly escaped from a garden; 'Sanguisorba officinalis', a favourite Oxfordshire plant; 'Serapias latifolia'; 'Salix repens'; a tree called bird-cherry or heckberry, possibly 'Prunus padus'; 'Rubus corylifolius' is common. The hills and wastes are in a wild state and covered with 'Erica vulgaris', 'Juncus squarrosus', 'Tormentilla reptans', 'Lichen rangiferinus' and similar.

Received letter from Hugh Davies complaining that [Edward] Donovan [(1768-1837), zoologist] has attacked him and [Thomas] Pennant over the Beaumaris shark and trifurcated hake in Pennant's "British Zoology", claiming that Pennant did not refer to Davies' figure but instead fabricated his own, and that Pennant makes Davies guilty of gross misrepresentation over the trifurcated hake; Donovan concludes that these fabricated figures left Goodenough wrongly informed in his "Linnean Transactions" paper on the Porbeagle shark, and Donovan is convinced that the Beaumaris and Porbeagle sharks are the same. Goodenough convinced that both his and Pennant's figures are exact and the sharks are different. Exasperated by those, like [Richard] Salisbury, "thinking to raise themselves at other people's expense" and "carping jealousies" engendered by learned societies.

Rose Castle prettily situated but six miles from the nearest badly supplied market town and the house thermometer is already halfway between temperate and freezing.

Comments on two specimens he saw in [George] Don's open letter to Smith: if the 'Hypericum' is not named suggests 'ciliatum' or 'crinitum', and the 'Lamium' has a deeper coloured flower than any of its affinities. Warns Smith to not let [James] Sowerby disgust Don nor put him to needless expense as he is one of Smith's most valuable correspondents.

Events in Spain: Glad the populace and the Ministers are eager for an investigation into the "Portugal business"in Spain [Peninsular War, 1807-1814, war between France and Spain, Portugal, and Britain for control of Iberian Peninsula]. Goodenough enraged by Bonaparte's invasion, "never was there in the history of man a more barefaced invasion of natural right and justice". Eager to hear of the fourth volume of "Flora Britannica". Shall soon begin to think that there is a "party rising up bent on vexing old naturalists - Salisbury, [Edward] Donovan [(1768-1837), zoologist] - I would not willingly add Sowerby".

Forwarded Smith's letter to [George] Don and believes Don will be satisfied with Smith's conciliatory manner and correct his mode of publication, which is symptomatic of a general surplus of natural history publications: "everyone [is] publishing, quite to the nausea of purchasers, the commonest things - when [George] Shaw [(1751-1813), naturalist] published the cock-sparrow & the common snail, I thought it high time to discontinue the Nat[urali]st's Miscellany". Don's discoveries are very valuable; the 'Hypericum' and 'Equisetum' were new to him. Believes others have been more devious than Don has been in attempting to naturalise foreign plants; cites example of Laurents and himself sowing 'Sisymbrium polyceratium' in the streets of Bury [in reference to claims by James Donn of Cambridge Botanic Garden that Don had used Cambridge seeds to grow and then claim as plants indigenous to Scotland, see RelatedMaterial]. Thinks Don's 'Lamium' a distinct species especially if the leaves are constantly petriolated.

Hugh Davies sent him his three species of articulated 'Juncus' but one had no leaves to it [see RelatedMaterial below]. Remembers the 'Sempervivum sediforme' at Kew and contending with [William] Aiton [(1731-1793), gardener at Kew] that it was 'Sedum', Aiton convinced it was 'Sempervivum' on [Daniel] Solander's authority. Pleased by Smith's proficiency in Greek and with Dioscorides, recommends Theophrastus and Bodaeus' notes. Sorry to see that "envious creature [Richard Salisbury] again barking at you" and reaffirms that Smith is the "King of Nat[ural] History". Was not aware that Dr [John] Hull [(1761-1843), physician and botanist] was of such a "predatory turn". Eager to see "Flora Britannica" complete but glad to find "Florae Graecae Prodromus" progressing so well.