Replies to Roscoe's letter of 1 May. Thanks for Roscoe's notes on 'Canna', though there is not much new information; asks native country of Roscoe's 'Canna latifolia' and any authority used. Doubts whether [James] Sowerby will continue "Exotic botany" as it does not sell enough for a profit, though if he went on slowly it would pay. His work for [Abraham] Rees' "Cyclopedia" has increased and now includes the whole botanical part and biographies of botanists following death of [William] Wood; he has accepted as it sells 5000 copies and will help advance botany; he puts an "S" to articles he wishes to be responsible for.

New edition of his "Introduction to Botany" printing but has only made corrections. Intends to produce a new work called "Illustrations of Botany" with figures of new and interesting plants and genera, with possible chapter illustrating and criticising Jussieu's system. Second part of "Florae Graecae prodromus" printing and will finish "Flora Britannica" this winter. As usual will spend September in Lowestoft, [Suffolk]. His health is good but has been anxious for Roscoe's sons' health. Forced to to give up his visit to Lancashire but hopeful for next year. Thanks for Roscoe's second pamphlet, admires the introduction but observes that recent events in Spain are unfavourable for Roscoe's ideas of peace, and "sickens at the old story of subsidising Austria & Co again!".

Discussion of toads: asks after Roscoe's tale of a "toad in a hole in a wall" having just read a similar account in Roesel [von Rosenhof's (1705-1759)] "Historia naturalis rariarum"; his own observations of three live natterjack toads in his possession, 'Bufo terrestius foetidus' of Roesel t24; [Thomas] Pennant's "British Zoology" quotes Sir Joseph Banks on natterjacks but not Roesel.

[Letter probably incomplete: text interrupted, no signature or valediction]

Replies to Roscoe's letter of 14 October. Asks Roscoe's experience of subscribing to Boydell's "Shakespeare" on behalf of his friend, Mr Ives of Catton, who has just been served a writ for £100._x000D_

Asks Roscoe to send, via his mother, any new or curious specimens of 'Maranta', 'Canna', or other 'Scitamineae'; has dried a large ['Canna'] Roscoe sent [James] Sowerby and also has 'lutea', 'flaccida' and scarlet one figured in [William] Curtis' "Botanical Magazine" but ignorant of the rest. Thanks for Roscoe's comments on "Exotic botany". Would encourge Roscoe to critique Jussieu's system, though not for the Linnean Society which is "wisely shy of professed controversy", but would appreciate it for his own book. First 3000 specimens of Liverpool [Botanic Garden] herbarium ready except for catalogue and packing._x000D_

His work on [Abraham] Rees' "Cyclopedia": writes botanists' biographies and the physiological and most of the systematical botany, but only acknowledges the articles he thinks worth owning. Second part of "Florae Graecae prodromus" nearly printed. Glad Roscoe saw his cousins, the Kindersleys. Laments "poor Rathbone's state".

About to send first 3000 specimens of his herbarium for Liverpool Botanic Garden. Glad to hear of [John] Bradbury's intended expedition [to study botany of Louisiana and the Mississippi]. Thanks [John] Shepherd [(c 1764-1836, curator Liverpool Botanic Garden] for specimens of 'Maranta' and the one seed; it is a difficult genus. George Don has found 'Hypericum barbatum' Jacquin "Florae Austriacae" t259 growing wild in Scotland, it will appear in February's "English botany" along with new 'Scirpus', new 'Potamogeton', and pretty new 'Equisetum'. Pleased to hear of Roscoe's work on Abate [Luigi] Lanzi [(1732-1810, Italian art historian].

Concerned for Rathbone's health. Asks Roscoe's opinion of ninth volume of "Linnean Transactions" and his paper on the vitellus [see RelatedMaterial below]. Comments on the "miserable" news from Spain; hopes the country will not be conquered in its mountains.

Congratulations on marriage of Roscoe's son, Edward. Received letter from his sister, Mrs Martin, about the "melancholy accident" which occured at Roscoe's old church last Sunday. His mother is now living with them; they may visit Liverpool this summer. Has not done any work on 'Scitamineae' yet so keeping hold of Roscoe's drawings. Fully occupied with fourth volume of "Flora Britannica" and "Lapland Tour".

Giving a course of lectures on "the Philosophy of Natural History" at the Royal Institution this spring. Asks if Roscoe has read Lord Valentia's [George Annesley] "Travels"; his opinion. Recommends Cobbett's paper for this week, which contains articles on anti-jacobin newspaper and Spanish affairs. [William Fitt] Drake and himself have been working on [Liverpool Botanic Garden] herbarium, will send budget soon. His health better than usual 1this winter. Asks after Roscoe's sons, James and Robert. Intends to attend some of Professor [William] Smyth's [(1765-1849), professor of modern history] lectures at Cambridge in March, Smyth lets Drake attend as a friend

Studied mosses and lichens with Dawson Turner at Yarmouth, [Norfolk], earlier in month, Turner also relieved him from the burden of dealing with "those indefatigable writers and questioners the German naturalists". Turner to publish a book on the "Mosses of Ireland" ["Muscologiae Hibernicae spicilegium" (1804)]. Visited his wife's family in Lowestoft and Saxmundham, [both Suffolk]; discusses the country and weather; the summer has "burnt up this whole eastern country" with no rain from April till September.

Frustrations with printing of "Flora Britannica" and some "knotty points" on mosses; the difficulties with this group chiefly caused by the inaccuracies of preceeding writers; the jungermanniae and lichens will be even more variable and uncertain. The lichen from Roscoe's house is 'Lichen orostheus' of [Erik] Acharius and never observed in this country before. About to send parcel to Roscoe, including his "Tour on the Continent", [James] Sowerby's "Fungi", Paul Jovius de Piscibus, and "an imperfect copy" of Rivinus' botanical plates, which will be a useful addition to Roscoe's collection of "Icones Plantarum". Expecting visit by [John] Shepherd [(c 1764-1836, curator Liverpool Botanic Garden] and has promised him a "harvest" of 'Salix'.

Asks if Roscoe's ['Crinum latifolium'] is not 'Crinum erubescens' of Redoute's "Plantes liliacees" fasc 5, as the 'C. latifolium' figured in Rudbeck and copied from ["Hortus Indicus Malabaricus"] is broader in the leaves and petals. Discusses transformation in [William Fitt] Drake's reading material and political beliefs since meeting Roscoe. Details of Roscoe's election to Linnean Society. Discusses health of Roscoe's son and inflammatory disorders.

Replies to Roscoe's letter of 21 April. At Sir William and Lady East's, amidst "vast avenues of limes, beech woods, abounding with rare 'Orchideae', & a most beautiful surrounding country" to escape London; searching for 'Monotropa hypopitys' in woods near Bisham Abbey, comments on history of that place. Thanks for Roscoe's kindness to his friend John Fraser [(c 1750-1811), botanist], although Fraser did not give the 'Cryptogamic' plant Roscoe sent with him. Recently sent packet of seeds to [John] Shepherd [(c 1764-1836, curator Liverpool Botanic Garden]. Anxious about his brother-in-law, Mr Martin, but not in despair.

Presumes Roscoe's proposed botanic paper will be about natural systems, particularly Jussieu's. Recently received letter from Jussieu, a "very worthy amiable character", though he called the Linnaean system "léze nature". The fashion in the "Banksian circle" is to sneer at Jussieu, [Richard] Salisbury goes but is in much less esteem than he was.

Has just published his "Hafod tour", limited to 100 copies. Has undertaken to finish a "Flora of Britain" in English as soon as possible, to cover the first 23 classes, with a possible separate Cryptogamic volume when "Flora Britannica" is finished. Also contemplating his long projected work on garden plants. New edition of "Hortus Kewensis" printing, Roscoe is "copied implicitly & avowedly" on 'Scitamineae'. Hopes Roscoe agrees with him on spelling of "Linnaeus", for which he cites last "Monthly Magazines", Jussieu, and the French writers. Saw Mr Currie in London.

Visiting Claude Scott. Thanks for Roscoe's letter of 18 June and paper [see RelatedMaterial below], which is "new & satisfactory", but cannot subscribe to the declaration that it is chiefly derived from his [Smith's] works, will suggest other alterations. Frustrated in attempts to spend July in country near London. The plant Roscoe sent is 'Bryum ligulatum' "English Botany" t 1449. "Flora Graeca" to be published in 10 volumes with 100 coloured plates in each, released in half volumes at price of 12 guineas for first two, to become successively cheaper; further details.

Roscoe's paper [see RelatedMaterial below] has occupied all the meetings of the Linnean Society this season butis now finished. Death of [Jonas] Dryander a "great loss to us all in his way". Keen to get his part of [Abraham] Rees' "Cyclopedia" forward, till [William Fitt] Drake can relieve him from part of it, who is now ordained and is settling near him in January; asks if Roscoe has seen his biographies of famous botanists.

Enjoying good health this winter. Expects to see Roscoe take his seat again in Parliament under a new ministry. Invites Roscoe to come to Norfolk and visit Holkham [home of Thomas William Coke] for the pictures, statues, drawings, books, and charming company. Sends via Mr J Thornley. [William] Roxburgh has described all the East Indian 'Scitamineae' according to Roscoe's system.

At [Thomas William] Coke's request encourages Roscoe to visit Holkham, [Norfolk, home of Coke]; describes the delights there including pictures, statues, books, drawings, manuscripts, and prints. Anxious for Coke and Roscoe to become private and public friends, which would be valuable if Roscoe or his son became MP for Liverpool this year as rumoured. Additional incentives of Coke's farming skills and knowledge and visiting [the Smiths] in Norwich.

Shock at death of [Thomas Taylor], his childhood friend: describes their strong early friendship and its recent renewal during his trip to Liverpool.

Information for John Shepherd's [(c 1764-1836, curator Liverpool Botanic Garden] visit to London, including directions, introductions to Sir Abraham and Amelia Hume, and recommendations to see the Lady Hume's garden at Wormleybury, [Hertfordshire], George Hibbert's [(1757-1837), merchant] at Clapham, [Surrey], rich in Cape plants but not West Indian, and [E John Alexander] Woodford's [(fl 1790s-1800s] at Vauxhall, [Surrey]. Sent box of books for Roscoe, including letters to be forwarded to Dr Currie and Dr Brandreth.

Looking forward to seeing Roscoe. Saw [Thomas William] Coke at Norwich Sessions Ball. William Smith won Norwich election; further details including failure of other party's "grossest avowed bribery" and changing candidates from Paterson to Harvey.

Plans for their visit to Holkham, [Norfolk, home of Coke]: proposes meeting Roscoe at Swaffham, [Norfolk], so they can arrive at Holkham together; his mother proposes that his sister, Mrs Martin, accompany Roscoe south before going onto Norwich; Dawson Turner will meet them at Holkham and they will also visit [Andrew] Fountaine at Narford, [Norfolk], to see his Raphael "pots & pans" and Italian manuscripts.

His sister Mrs Lloyd nearly well; he cares little for her husband. Recommends that Roscoe travels to Norfolk in his own chaise, as coaching across the country is "bad & tedious".

Disappointed by Roscoe's postponement of Holkham [home of Thomas William Coke] visit and Liverpool election results; plans to devote himself to botany and hopes to see Roscoe at Holkham in the spring. His sorrow at Roscoe missing out on meeting Coke; praises his character. [Andrew] Fountaine has offered Roscoe the entire use of his Italian manuscripts copied at Florence, and opportunity to look over the finest collection of Raphael ware anywhere except at Loretto, [Italy].

Disappointed Roscoe is not visiting Holkham, [Norfolk, home of Thomas William Coke] this spring on account of his rheumatism, but as it is "unusually prevalent" lately confident that he will find the relief others have and is determined for Roscoe to visit him this year. No recollection of the picture Roscoe spoke of in his previous letter [of 27 February] but offers identification advice. Has not received Roscoe's review of [George] Canning's [(1770-1827), politician] speeches. He has written three hymns for a new collection being made at Norwich. Preparing for his London visit in April. Comments on his wife's handwriting.

Sends Roscoe a "song" of nonsense, "The New Doctors", he wrote to amuse his wife and epigram on pleasures of Holkham [both on verso of second folio].

Encourages Roscoe and Mrs Roscoe to visit Holkham, [Norfolk, home of Thomas William Coke] this autumn. Thanks for Roscoe recommending his Cambridge candidature [for botany professorship] to Professor [William] Smyth [(1765-1849), historian]; lists his many "warm & weighty friends", including: the Vice-Chancellor, the Bishop of Bristol [William Mansel], the Masters of Caius [Martin Davy], Downing [William Frere (1775-1836)], and Pembroke [Joseph Turner (1747-1828)], the Provost of King's [Humphrey Sumner], and others.

Professor [Thomas] Martyn has offered to resign whenever best suited; details of the three part position and plan for securing the professorship. Asks Roscoe to recommend him to the Duke of Gloucester [Prince William Frederick (1776-1834), chancellor of Cambridge University], hopes that he will act in favour of "whiggism & science, against mere old-fashioned espirit de corps". There are no legal obstacles or subscriptions against him but fears the Rutland interest or the Bishop of Ely [Bowyer Sparke (1759-1836)] being used against him. Coke is obtaining interests of Duke of Bedford and Lord Hardwicke; asks Roscoe to gain support of [Thomas] Creevey [(1768-1838), politician]. Recommends his biography of [José Celestino Bruno] Mutis [(1732-1808), botanist] in [Abraham] Rees' "Cyclopedia".

Arrangements for [John Russell, 6th] Duke of Bedford's first attendance at Linnean Society. His opinion of [John] Murray of Stranraer, [Scotland]; no claim to be FLS except on strength of his paper on vegetable poisons, he is "an itinerant lecturer", as [Richard] Salisbury once called [Smith]. "Far more sorry than surprised" regarding [Thomas] Marsham's financial troubles, asks Macleay to reassure Marsham of his continuing regard for him. Satisfied with title "Institutor".

Intends to have [Thomas] Martyn resign the [Cambridge botany] professorship in April, erroneous reports of Martyn's death have helped his cause; lists supporters. [William] Kirby intends to oppose him only as he [Smith] is a dissenter and not of the university; his low opinion of Kirby.

They have heard nothing of Miss Fanny Smith's intended marriage.

Responds to Roscoe's letter [of 27 June 1814]. Certain his campaign [for Cambride botany professorship] will not be affected by his not being a member of the University; lists previous examples. Hopes to be knighted at the next levée and enter Cambridge after the vacation; has ensured the knighthood is to be given him as president of Linnean Society. He could claim an MA degree in two years but "scientifically" values his Leyden degree more, and only wants the professorship on basis that he is best to fill it. Does not think any alterations to Roscoe's paper are needed, and that Lord [Edward Smith-]Stanley's plants should remain for others to judge. Fears [William] Roxburgh is dying at Chelsea.

At request of [Thomas William] Coke invites Roscoe to visit Holkham; he is intending to visit again soon with the Bishop [of Norwich, Henry Bathurst (c 1744-1837)] to continue examining the manuscripts, including historical Italian manuscripts copied at Florence and Venice, and printed books "inestimable in value & number". Papers report Roscoe is in Paris researching, but letter from his sister, Mrs Martin, informs him Roscoe is at his Moss farm and in good health.

Laments death of Dr [Henry] Reeve, a "most heavy loss, public & private, in every point".

Plans for their visit to Holkham, [Norfolk, home of Thomas William Coke]: advises Roscoe to leave for Norwich after 6 November and for them to set out for Holkham on 1 December; further details and questions regarding the visit, including trip to [Andrew] Fountaine at Narford [Hall, Norfolk].

Has had letters from [Thomas William] Coke and [Andrew] Fountaine on their pleasure at meeting Roscoe. Describes recent extreme weather. Thanks Roscoe for his efforts advocating him at Cambridge [in his candidature for botany professorship]; aware of prejudice of St John's College but has support of [Charles Howard, 11th] Duke of Norfolk [(1746-1815)] who has great influence there. Expecting [William] Smith next week as steward of their ball, and they are to have a common hall "to give a kick to the income tax".

Thanks for Roscoe's letter of 8 April, parcel of [Charles] Plumier [(1646-1704) botanist] drawings and book for Lady [Pleasance] Smith. Staying at his cousins the Kindersleys house; his wife at Lowestoft caring for her invalid parents._x000D_

With [Thomas William] Coke saw a picture of Napoleon being crowned king of Italy, painted at Milan, being sold for £1500. Details his and Coke's plans for their Lancashire visit and possibly Hafod, [Cardiganshire, home of Thomas Johnes]; invites Roscoe to join them. No comment on public affairs as it is all in the papers, excepting that there "still seems a backwardness for war". He is halfway through his lectures, which are well attended by a "very elegant & fashionable audience". Deaths of Dr [Joseph] Brandreth [(1746-1815), physician], and one of Mrs Reeve's sons. His mother thinking of travelling to Liverpool. Pleased that Roscoe is binding some of Coke's manuscripts. Received great encouragement from Bishop of Bristol [William Mansel] regarding Cambridge [his candidature for botany professorship].