Numbered observations on enclosed cryptogam specimens, several of which he thinks are common: 1. 'Polytrichum' [Smith annotation: "var[iet]y of 'commune'"]; 2. 'Polytrichum' [Smith annotation: "'gracile'"]; 3. 'Polytrichum' [Smith annotation: "very near 'commune', I should think it that but for the nodding capsules"]; 4. 'Polytrichum' [Smith annotation: "new - original 'strictum' of Banks"]; 5. 'Polytrichum hercynicum' [Smith annotation: "good"]; 6. 'Splachnum' resembling [James] Dickson's 'tenue' [Smith annotation: "true"] ; 7. 'Phascum' [specimen extant] [Smith annotation: "'patens'?"]; 8. 'Splachnum rogosum', previously sent to Dickson 9 and 4 years ago.

Numbered observations on enclosed plant specimens: 1. a new 'Elymus', proposes name 'E. alpinus' [Smith annotation: "surely only 'Triticum caninum' [...] Tis no 'Elymus', returned the specimen"]; 2. an 'Anthemis' which he calls 'A. hybrida'.

One specimen, labelled, "no.7 'Phascum patens'?"

Has sent some specimens for Smith's opinion, as well as the 'Orthotrichum piliferum', 'Saxifraga', and 'Potentilla' specimens he sent some time ago; would have sent the others before now but the death of his son, James Brodie Don, on 27 April "embarrassed" his feelings for some time.

As previously discussed he intends to publish a "Hortus Siccus", but after [James] Brodie pointed out the opposition he would likely face from [James] Dickson, has decided to only publish in Scotland; intends to publish 4 times a year containing 25 specimens, asks Smith to provide names of any interested parties.

Numbered observations on enclosed specimens: 1. 'Sisymbrium tibliori' [Smith annotation: "'Sisymbrium monense' laid in"]; 2. 'Crataegus' [Smith annotation: "'Crataegus oxycantha' laid in]; 3. a 'Lichen' [Smith annotation: "new, laid into deal cabinet"]; 4. 'Crataegus' found with no.2 [Smith annotation: "var[iet]y"]; 5. 'Lolium hybridum', believes nondescript, sent to [James] Dickson 1795 [Smith annotation: "'L. arvense'"]; 6. 'Carex' [Smith annotation: "may be new 'C. salina' Sw[artz]"]; 7. 'Aira' differs from 'aquatica', like 'Poa retroflexo' [Smith annotation: "var[iet]y'].

Recently saw 'Assium petrafilium'. Observations on 'Valeriana pyrenaica', found 1782 and 1804. Will send a new 'Galium' and other things soon.

Numbered observations on enclosed specimens: 1. 'Hieracium cerinthoides', possibly a variety 'H. cerinthoides' of Linnaeus [Smith annotation: "'cerinthoides' laid in"]; 2. a one year old plant of 'Thalpsi incanum' and 'Sagina morina' [Smith annotation: "burnt"]; 3. a lichen which [Dawson] Turner thinks new [Smith annotation: "see letter of June 7 1803"].

Ill with an inflammatory sore throat for a fortnight. At Smith's request will attempt to provide specific distinction between 'Thlaspi incanum' and 'T. campestre'; numbered observations on differences [also labelled specimens of stem leaves and silicles of each].

Thinks that 'Epilobium cordifolium' seems to stand between 'E. alpinnum' and 'E. montanum'; numbered observations supporting his claim. Numbered observations on enclosed specimens: 1. 'Galium' seeds, either 'G. lemnius' or new; 2. a 'Phascum', probably 'P. nitidum' [Smith annotation: "i.e. 'axillare' right"]; 3. a 'Poa' [Smith annotation: "'glauca' Fl. Brit.? laid in"]; 4. a 'Lichen' possibly 'L. sedum' in fructification [Smith annotation: "'orostheus'? laid in"]; 5. a 'Myostis'.

Believes he sent [James] Sowerby a good specimen of 'Fissidens polycorpus' of Hedwig.

Labelled specimens of 4 stem leaves and silicles of 'Thlaspi incanum'; 2 stem leaves and silicles of 'T. campestre'; 'Phascum nitidum' [Smith annotation: "i.e. 'axillare' right"]; and a piece of bark with lichen fragments.

Forgot to include specimens of 'Alopecurus alpinus' and 'Poa flexuosa' mentioned in his last letter, encloses with this letter.

Numbered observations on enclosed specimens: 1. a 'Hypnum' possibly 'H. flagillari' of Dickson; 2. a 'Hypnum' near 'H. scorpioides'; 3. a 'Hypnum' near to 'denticulatum'; 4. 'Hypnum uncinatum'; 5. a 'Hypnum' he believes to be 'H. filimontasum'; 6. a 'Hypnum' near to 'H. serpens'; 7. an unknown 'Hypnum'; 8. possible 'Hypnum uncenatum'; 9. an unknown 'Hypnum'; 10. an unknown 'Hypnum'; 11. possibly 'Hypnum scorpioides'; 12. an unknown 'Hypnum'; 13. an unknown 'Hypnum'; 14. possible 'Bryum mucronulatum'; 15. a 'Bryum' variety of no.14; 16. new species of 'Helvela'; 17. a 'Bryum' formerly thought to be 'B. hypnoides'; 18. 'Bryum nudum'; 19. a 'Jungermannia'; 20. a 'Phascum'; 21. a 'Lichen'; 22. a 'Lichen'; 23. 'Grimmia recurvat'.

Asks Smith's opinion of the 'Dicranium ovale' he sent [Dawson] Turner in 1802, and which Turner thinks is 'Trichostomum microcarpon'.

Twenty numbered specimens, some with annotations by Smith; numbers 7, 20, and 22 not extant.

Sends several copies of prospectus [for his work "Herbarium Britannicum" (1804-1812)], a sheet explaining his method for choosing habitats, preferring those not hitherto published by any author, and a magazine containing account by Mr Neil of the life of [John] Mackay [(1772-1802), employed at Dickson nursery, Edinburgh], errors with list of plants.

Numbered observations on enclosed specimens: 1. 'Lycopodium annotinum' of Linnaeus; 2. 'Erica vulgaris'; 3. a 'Galium' or 'Asperula' [Smith annotation: "'G. palustre' caule & pedunc. scabris"]; 4. a nondescript 'Saxifraga' he previously called 'S. tinctoria'; 5. a 'Draba' related to 'D. verna', cultivated 10 years [Smith annotation: "'verna'?"].

Has heard from [John Leonard] Knapp that he has found the 'Aira ulginosa' he [Don] sent Smith some years ago.

Observations on what he thinks is 'Hypnum ruscifolium'. Would like Smith to take another look at an 'Eriophorum' previously sent, which he is sure is 'E. angustifolium'.

Numbered observations on enclosed specimens, largely collected in summer of 1802: 1. a nondescript 'Phascum', proposes name 'P. inundatum' or 'P. purpureum' [Smith annotation: "'Ph. stoloniferum'"]; 2. 'Orthotrichum bipartium'; 3. 'Fissidens polycarpus' [Smith annotation: "D. 'polycarpum'"]; 4. 'Dicranium flagillaris' [Smith annotation: "'D. furescens'"]; 5. a 'Bryum' near 'B. pulvinatum' but distinct; 6. probably a variety of no.4; 7. a 'Bryum'; 8. what he now thinks a 'Grimmia', previously 'B. acutum' Linnaeus; 9. possible variety of 'B. acutum'; 10. 'Bryum patens'; 11. variety of 'B. patens'; 12. variety of 'B. patens'; 13. 'Bryum sericeum' or 'B. elongatum'; 14-16. 'Bryum'.

Just received "Flora Britannica" and "a valuable collection of specimens" from Smith, which are useful to him when preparing to set out on botanical excursions, one of which he hopes to make in 4 week's time.

Observations on enclosed 'Hypnum crista-castrensis', which he has known since 1787. Has found 'Hemerocallis flava' but it seldom flowers. Intends to send several possible new mosses along with collection of lichens and jungermannia. Will send the first number of his fasciculus ["Herbarium Britannicum" (1804-1812)] for Smith to [James] Sowerby, details of the printing. [James] Donn [(1758-1813), curator of Cambridge Botanic Garden] of Cambridge is an old acquaintance of his but of no relation, first met at Kew in 1785. Lists plants to appear in next fascicule, for Smith's opinion. Also sends Smith specimen of 'Dicranum flavescens'. List of his desiderata, largely cryptogams, some have marks against them.

Two specimens. Small piece of note paper, annotated "for G Don 'Dicranum subulatum' Hedw.".

Observations on enclosed specimens: the true 'Cardamine parviflora' of Linnaeus; a specimen of the first moss he ever saw and which much puzzled him, a 'Gymostomum' like 'Davalli' but different. Has been arranging his Jungermannia and hopes to send specimens soon, along with 'Trichostomum rigidulum'. The specimen he sent as 'Dicranum ovale' identified. Observations on "difficult" moss 'G. browniana'.

Has sent a collection of lichens on board the ship "Hazard" to be landed at Downes Wharf, regrets it is not as extensive as he would have wished. Observations on enclosed specimens: 'Rumex patientia', and three 'Lichen' from various mountains [extant].

Three 'Lichen' specimens, labelled.

Classes about to begin tomorrow so sending a few moss and plant specimens now, not expecting much time to do so in the summer. Observations on enclosed specimens: new 'Potentilla', proposes name 'P. alpina'; nondescript 'Saxifraga'; possible new 'Gymnostomum', proposes name 'G. martima'; new 'Dicranum' like 'D. pulvinatum'.

Observations on previoulsy sent 'Gymnostomum apocarpum', differences from 'G. ciliatum'. Also sends a 'Somemum'.

Encloses specimens of a rare 'Galium' and two 'Sagina'; observations. Observations on 'Poa alpina', 'Lolium arvensis', and 'Eriophorum alpinum' [Smith has annotated in margins]. Thanks Smith for introduction to [Pierre Marie Auguste] Broussonet.

Separate note on specimen of 'Scirpus multicaulis' [specimen extant].

Sending this letter and enclosed specimens via [James] Sowerby, contains 'Grimmia nigritia', 'G. inclanata', 'G. schisti', 'Bryum gulaium' and 'Bartramia alpina'. Also encloses mosses, a 'Lichen', and a grass found in the white mine near Forfar [Smith annotation: "'Aira caespitosa'"] in 1807. Intends to undertake botanical excursion to the Cairngorns and Clova Mountains soon, but is unsure whether to collect for Sowerby, having heard nothing from him about previous specimens. Requests seeds of 'Felia muscosa' and 'Limosella aquatica'. Requests Smith's opinion on these and previous specimens.

Still waiting to hear Smith's opinion on those plants he sent himself and via [Charles] Lyell. Numbered observations on enclosed mosses he previously sent to [Dawson] Turner, also without response: 2. [sic] a 'Grimmia', would like to name it after W Symonds, who died in Barbados; 3. a 'Grimmia', proposes name 'G. alpina' or 'G. nivalis'; 4. a 'Hypnum'; 5. another 'Hypnum'.

Numbered observations on enclosed plants: 1. 'Potentilla tridentata' [Smith annotation: "right"]; 2. 'Lychnis alpina' [Smith annotation: "right"]; 3. 'Ranunculus alpestris' [Smith annotation: "right"]; 4. a 'Silene' resembling 'S. alpestris' [Smith annotation: "the 'Silene' will be sent in my next"] ; 5. a 'Crepis' [Smith annotation: "'pulcra' HL"]; 6. 'Cochlearia groenlandica' [Smith annotation: "right HL"]; 7. the true 'Erigeron uniflorum' [Smith annotation: "right!"]; 8. a 'Saxifraga' cultivated for 2 years in strong, rich, wet soil [Smith annotation: "new, the 2 darkest specimens green specimens is cultivated in the wet soil!"]; 9. a 'Cerastium' [Smith annotation: "'Stellaria cerastoides'"]; 10. 'Fontinalis pennata' of Linnaeus [Smith annotation: "'Neckera pumila'"].

Enquires after specimens he sent some years ago as 'Spergula maxima' and 'S. arvensis' [Smith annotation: "both 'arvensis'"].

Two small specimens, labelled "2".

Responds to queries in Smith's letter of 8 September [1809]: will send 'Lamium' seeds; has found no evidence of 'Lychnis alpina' being planted, despite rarity, difficulty of ascertaining how many seeds it proudces, describes similar instances with 'Gentiana nivale', 'Gnaphalium sylvaticum', 'Sonchus caeruleus', and 'Hieracium molle'.

Numbered remarks and observations on plants, headed 18 May [probably date of Smith's reply to Don's letter of 3 April 1809]: 1. will try to identify the 'Ranunculus'; 2. 'Saxifraga' new species; 3. 'Potentilla' new species; 4. 'Grimmia' new species. Obervations on 'Ranunculus alpestres'; 'Crepis pulchra'; species of 'Silene'; 'Cochlearia groenlandica'. Observations on numbered specimens in his last letter: 8. argues case for naming new 'Saxifraga' 'S. peduncularis'; 9. "certainly not 'Stellaria cerastoides' but a 'Cerastium'.

Will send seeds of 'Spergula maxima'.

Numbered observations on enclosed specimens: 1. a 'Conferva'; 2. a 'Splachnum', possibly 'S. fastigiatum'; 3. a 'Byssus' or 'Bryum'; 4. possible variety of 'Bryum turbinatum'; 5. possible 'Bryum annotinum'; 6. 'Dicranum undulatum'; 7. a 'Dicranum' not 'D. longifolium'; 8. a 'Dicranum' either 'D. rigidulum' or 'D. varens'; 9. a 'Dicranum' distinct from 'D. rigidulum' or 'D. varens'; 10. a 'Dicranum'; 11. a 'Hypnum'; 12. a 'Hypnum'; 13. a 'Hypnum'; 14. a 'Lichen'; 15. a 'Lichen'; 16. a 'Lichen'; 17. a 'Lichen'; 18. a 'Lichen'; 19. a 'Lichen'; 20. a 'Lichen'; 21. a 'Lichen'; 22. a 'Hypnum'. Asks after items and specimens sent to [James] Sowerby and [Charles] Lyell. Asks Goodenough to forward this letter to Dr [James Edward] Smith.

Following receipt of letter from their mutual friend [Charles] Lyell concerned to hear that [John] Mackay [(1772-1802), nurseryman and gardener] has been credited in "English botany" as sending the 'Saxifraga pedatifida', which he claims is impossible as it is very rare and only found in the Clova mountains; offers to send plants botanists are not well acquainted with so as to be cultivated in gardens.

Encloses specimens of 3 varities of 'S. pedatifida'; an 'Arenaria' he proposes naming 'A. charlinfolia', observations. Points out that Smith has credited [Robert] Brown with finding 'Sagina maritima' in 1798 on coasts of Ireland and Fifeshire, when he himself found it in 1784 on Ben Nevis.

Asks Goodenough to forward this letter to Dr [James Edward] Smith.

Numbered observations on enclosed specimens: a 'Triticum' first found in 1793 on Ben Lawers, and never encountered again until 1810, proposes name 'T. alpinum', very rare but now established in his garden; 2. leaf of 'Iris xiphium', thinks it indigenous; 3. leaves of an 'Alchemilla' larger than 'A. alpina'; 4. leaves of an 'Anthyllis' different from 'A. vulneraria' and the coastal 'Anthyllis'. Asks Goodenough to forward this letter to Dr [James Edward] Smith.

Sends by [James Townsend] Mackay [(1775-1862), curator of Botanic Garden, Trinity College, Dublin] of Dublin 'Arenaria Cherlerifolia' from Ben Lawers, 'Triticum alpinum', a common 'Myostis' from the Clova Mountains, and a 'Centaurea' found by Mr Young at Bellmount Castle. Discovered 'Chorophyllum aromaticum' in a wild state about seven miles from Forfar and 'Iris xipheum' in Marsh of Logie.