Sends parcel from [George] Don. Error with Smith's new species 'Hieracium prenanthoides' in "English botany", confusion with 'H. denticulatum'; discusses in detail.

Received roots and specimens of Smith's Norfolk elm, which he thinks comes closer to 'glabra'; can get naturalised Dutch elm for "English botany". Believes Lord Moira [Francis Edward Rawdon-Hastings, 1st Marquess of Hastings (1754-1826)] will not be troublesome concerning the Prince Regent, as he has already agreed to become Linnean Society patron. Benjamin [Forster] adamant that he did not criticise "Flora Britannica"; only lamented delay of fourth volume.

Sending 'Juncus' specimens from his herbarium, delayed by his comparison with the specimens [James] Bicheno sent to Linnean Society accompanying his paper on subject; observations on species.

Pleased with Smith's work on 'Rubus'; observations on genus and species. Pleased that Smith could elucidate 'Potentilla'; obervations on genus and species. Showed the 'Rubus' proof to [James] Bicheno.

Sorry that [Robert] Brown has declined Secretaryship of the Linnean Society, as he would have "done so much honour to the Society"; [James] Bicheno is willing to accept the post if offered; [Edward] Barnard also expressed an interest, but majority of Council favours Bicheno. Departure of [Alexander] Macleay a "great loss" for the Society but the colony [New South Wales] will benefit, as "such a man is much wanted there"; [Joseph] Sabine has been called out on his proposed portait of Macleay.

He has moved to Hale End, [Essex], invites Smith to stay when next in London.

Thanks for Christmas turkey. Will ask [James] Bicheno what Smith said respecting Turner's explusion. Requested further information from [William] Borrer on 'Salix tetrapla' Walker. Wished to proposes Mertens as FMLS but afraid to in consequence of Dawson Turner's "slander", will attempt again next year.

Expects Smith will have trouble with cryptogamia; thinks the public expects Smith to give the whole vegetable kingdom ["English Flora"].

Invites Smith to them at Hale End, [Essex].

Attended funeral of Thomas [Forster, his brother]. [James] Bicheno suffering from temporary ailment which prevented his seeing Smith at Hale End. Sending mourning rings.

Thanks for turkey. Turns down offered potential post [of vice-president] in favour of [Robert] Brown. Heard from [Alexander] Macleay at Rio de Janeiro, assumes they have reached New South Wales by now. Hopes Smith's niece is bearing her misfortune well. Account of recent Linnean Society meeting. Their bank quiet but fears great distress across the country and expects to hear of banks failing.

[Letter incomplete: large portion of second folio cropped, unclear if any significant text missing]

Sending specimens of living 'Salix borreri', collected by [William] Borrer in Bredalbane, [Perthshire]. Invites Smiths to stay at Hale End, so they can attend Linnean Society [anniversary meeting] together. Received paper from [Henry Thomas] Colebrooke [(1765-1837), botanist] on the Quinary divisions, unsure if he was serious or hoaxing them. Concerned that the Society will never be able to accomplish rotation of chair by the vice-presidents.

[Smith noted his reply in corner of verso of first folio]: replied by telegraph will be with Forster on 1 May.

Pleased Smith will be coming on 1 May, arrangements for the visit. Sorry the box was not sent before 'Salix borreriana' spoiled.

Sorry that Smith was not able to come on 1 May, hopes he will still be able to come on 15 May. New Linnean Society Council to include Sir Stamford Raffles [(1781-1826), founder of Singapore], Charles Bell, [Nicholas Aylward] Vigors [(1786-1840), zoological administrator and quinarian], Dr [John] Bostock and [Joseph] Sabine. Believes Honorary Memberships should be kept for princes and other very distinguished persons.

Found 'Salix tetrapla' mentioned in [John] Walker's [(1731-1803), professor of natural history, Edinburgh] "Essays [on Natural History and Rural Economy" (1812)]; transcribes relevant sections [extant, on separate folio].

Saw Sir Thomas Cullum, who will not be at Bury, [Suffolk], when Smith intends to visit, so recommends that Smith come to them. Agrees with Smith on 'Salix' except for Smith not adopting 'S. borreriana'. Linnean Society elected 10 FMLS last night, [Aimé] Bonpland [(1773-1858), botanist] and Sayr were excluded. Alternative arrangements should Hale End be too far for reaching London.

[Letter incomplete: address label removed, obscuring text on verso of second folio]

Arrangements for Smith's approaching visit.

Disappointed by postponement of Smith's visit, caused by death of Mr J Reeve. Received parcel of plants for Smith from [John Russell] Duke of Bedford. Received plants from [William] Borrer including 'Tinardia palustris'.

Account of a visit to Devon. Read of death of the Bishop [of Carlisle, Samuel Goodenough]; suggests [Robert] Brown as new vice-president for Linnean Society. Hopes Smith received specimen of 'Tinardia palustris'. Plants collected in Devon, including: 'Scirpus holoschoenus', 'Salix argentia', and 'Viola lutea'. Also found 'Senecio squalidus'; reasons for believing it is native, discusses Dr [William] Turton [(1762-1835), conchologist].

[Robert] Brown makes no objections to becoming a vice-president of Linnean Society. Presumes 'Senecio squalidus' is wild; pleased to hear of 'Ophrys arachnites'; observations on this.

Doubts authenticity of Christy's 'Cistus surreyanus' found near Addington, having searched the area himself with [William] Borrer and only finding 'Cistus helianthemum'.

[First two and a half folios by Mary Jane Forster to Pleasance Smith]: Thanks for turkey. Glad that Smith is well enough to tend to botanical pursuits. Mildness of the weather. Family news.

[Remaining folio and a half by Edward Forster to Sir James Edward Smith]: his pleasure at introducing a banking correspondent, John Eddowes Bowman, into a botanical one; proposed him as FLS.