When reading in [George] Don's letters he is struck with "the simplicity of his style, & the acuteness of his remarks". Hopes to hear from Smith soon, wishes he would visit "this retired Philosophical spot"; one of the area's two botanists brought him specimens of 'Rubus sylvaticus' and 'Cistus heliantheum' to have planted in the garden, fears he lost his botanical standing by confusing the 'Cistus' with 'Vaccinium'.

"What an indefatigable creature is this [George] Don?". Asks if Don is right about 'Agrostis arundinacea', thinks it may be an 'Arundo epigeios'; 'Thlaspi hirtum' and 'T. incanum' appear distinct. Invites Smith to visit in August; has just discovered a botanist in his neighbourhood who is a Cambridge man and may prove more than an amateur, of which he already has two.