Sends leaf and seed head of a 'Geum' gathered between Kendal and Shap, Cumberland, by Mr Forster of Stoney, thought to be either 'Geum montanum' or 'Geum rivale' [Smith annotation: "merely 2 states of 'G. rivale'"], sends a seed of the latter for comparison and imparts his own opinions. Also sends specimens of an 'Epilobium' from Westmorland.

Having heard that Smith a very good collection of live willows requests specimens of the different species, so they can be drawn for her collection.

Relates his fruitless efforts to obtain [William] Sole's copy of "Menthae Britannicae" annotated with observations and censures on "Flora Britannica" caused by Smith's classification of 'Mentha' in "Flora Britannica". Describes arrangement and presentation of [Thomas] Velley's "Phaenogamous" and marine plant collections, herbarium and remainder of his botanical collections, the whole being offered to Linnean Society for 150 guineas by his widow, requests repsonse. Offers his drawings and descriptions of fungi of his region should Smith decide to augment "Flora Britannica" with this class. Encloses specimen [extant] of a 'Byssus' collected from an abandoned coal mine in Crickhowel, Brecon, Wales.

Specimen of 'Byssus'.

Query regarding 'Mespilus tanacetifolia' and Smith's variety in "Florae Graecae prodromus". Reviews first volume of Lord Valentia's [George Annesley] "Travels", wishes there was more natural history and less politics. About to begin his "summer campaign" on Salisbury Plain with Sir Richard Hoare.

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.

Has resigned management of the King's [George III (1738-1820)] merino flock due to ill health. Only way Banks knows of obtaining the sheep is at the King's sale.