Ordered to attend the embassy going to Ava, Burma, and anticipates being away for nine to ten months, doubts he will find a draughtsman. Sent Smith plants and seeds via Messrs Mercer and Bryce. Asks Smith to remember him to old friends, especially Baillie Young and Lubboch.

Thanks for seeds [not named] and pleased that the specimen he sent [illegible] has met with approval, the plant of which is the most "beautiful vegetable [he] has yet seen in bloom", and was sketched by Mr Bacon.

Hopes to send Smith plates needed to make up his set of "[General] synopsis of birds", requests copy of Smith's "Tour of the continent" and "English botany". Does not dare venture beyond indigenous plants. Offers to forward letters for Smith to Dr Reich, Willdenow, and [Johann Christian Daniel von] Schreber [(1739-1810), physician and botanist].

Sending Smith the remaining five volumes of his "[General] synopsis [of birds]", will charge Smith at bookseller to bookseller rate. Requests copy of each number of "English botany" as it is published.

Condolences on death of [François] Borone. Brief account of [Thomas] Rackett, [Charles] Hatchett [(1765-1847) chemist], and [William George] Maton's tour of Cornwall and Somerset. Thanks Smith for naming 'Pultenaea' for him, asks if figures of the species could be published in "Linnean Transactions". Sending copy of his catalogue of Leicestershire plants.

[Copy or draft]

Thanks for copy of "Icones plantarum". Sending a "trifle" from his "youthful days".

Proposal by [Jonas] Dryander to procure for [Adam] Afzelius the late Richard Southgate's position at British Museum, but Afzelius unlikely to accept it, not least because of five other candidates being more skilled for the medal department.

Sends works for Smith and others; thanks for Australian plants; progress of his work on Cape plants.