Watson-Wentworth writes on 2 December: Still waiting for information from [Richard] Salisbury on the servant he recommended to take Crabb's place. Received box of Botany Bay seeds but did not let [Harvey] Spragg take any to show Smith as he should see the whole contents. Sorry to hear of Dr Pictairn' death , she only met him once.

Watson-Wentworth writes on 3 December: Received letter from Salisbury stating that sevrant he recommended does not wish to leave his current position. Found 'Passiflora suberosum' in flower for first time this morning and as she is uncertain whether this is common will send [James] Sowerby a specimen for painting; along with 'Corsiopsis' on vellum will compliment his drawing of 'Catesbaea'. Has not heard from Sowerby regarding dimensions of 'Datura' and fears he does too much at once.

Suffering from "a perpetual return of obstructions" and "excessive habit of costiveness" which no remedies will remove. Believes he has found 'Lichen confluens' and 'Lichen cinereo-fuscus' Weber, will send for Smith's consideration, and 'Lichen fulgens' Swartz or 'Lichen citrinus' Hedwig. Regrets his "ill treaty" with [Harvey] Spragg and his copy of Dillenius' "Historia Muscorum"; how many copies are buried in public libraries or in private hands whilst many including him "suffer & linger by the privation". His interest in cryptogams; he sent Smith the common '[Lichen] fagineus' for pleasure of it authenticated by Smith, as he is still a novice.

Recently became acquainted with [Horace-Bénédict] de Saussure [(1740-1799)] and gave him roots of 'Geranium phaeum' and 'G. lividum', Swiss plants he had sought in vain, though he is more a lithologist than botanist. De Saussure collected lichens during an expedition on Mont Blanc, an account of which was published July 1788, and intended to send them to [Georg Franz] Hoffmann for identification but Davall persuaded him to send them to Smith instead. Transcribes, in French, part of de Saussure's letter acceptance, in French. Transcribes, in French, letter received from [Carlo] Bellardi with article for Smith.