Wishes Smith success in his Cambridge candidature [to become professor of botany]; has written to [William] Smyth [(1765-1849)], the history professor, in support of Smith. Remains lame but his sciatica pain reduced. Praises Smith's "New Doctors" song and epigram on Holkham. Fears they will not meet this year. Spending a few days at his Moss farm; recently sold 1000 acres to Willis Earle, and his son, James, has undertaken a large lot; farming now become his chief business, pictures and other works of art his amusement, and abhors politics and seldom reads books.