[William George] Maton is teaching botany to the women of the Royal Family; spends two hours a day with the Queen [Charlotte (1744-1818), wife of George III] and reads with Princess Elizabeth who is "determined to become an expert British botanist". The Queen bought Gaertner on Maton's recommendation. They are forming a herbarium of marine plants, "the monarch himself often comes in to see them at their labours" and Smith and [Samuel] Goodenough's names are often mentioned. Has sent a capsule of the 'Ochroma' which the Queen intends to grow at Frogmore.

Informed by [George] Jackson that [Jonas] Dryander "is quite restored to botany" and is publishing a paper in [Charles] Konig's "Annals" on "Chloris Novae Hollandiae". Received first part of Labillarière's "New Holland Plants". Has specimens of 'Solanum pyracanthos' for [James] Sowerby. Received seeds from [Antonio José] Cavanillies which are in no other collection except at Kew. Has raised from seed twenty plants of 'Cinchona caribaea'. Pleased with Smith's account of "our friend Sarum" [Richard Salisbury] in "Exotic Botany". Has sent Sowerby complete specimens of the "Lambert nut". Has received first part of [Alexander von] Humboldt's and [Aimé] Bonpland's "Plantae aquinoetiales". Requests specimen of 'Trapa natans'.

Remarks on compliment "Sarum" [Richard Salisbury] has paid Smith in his "Paradisus [Londinensis]", points out errors viz. 'Castalia sacra' does not open in the morning but the evening and the figure of 'Castalia magnifica' is taken from a small specimen. If Smith wishes to give a better figure of it offers to obtain one twice as big from "Fleming's Drawings" for him. Would not be surprised if Salisbury is forced to change the title of his work to "Paradise Lost". Has heard from the Marquess [of Blandford, George Spencer-Churchill] that he [Salisbury] is not likely to have the honour of "describing them minutely"at Whiteknights, [Reading, Berkshire].

Thanks for promise of specimen of 'Trapa natans'. Has sent specimens of the "Lambert nut" in all its stages to [James] Sowerby for possible inclusion in "Exotic Botany". Received from Gaertner first part of his "continuation of the Carpology". Received letters from [William] Roxburgh who has plenty of work [for Lambert] with his Flora although his herbarium is very small. Roxburgh having difficulties finding a house big enough for his large family. [George] Jackson saw "our worthy friend" [probably Richard Salisbury] looking for seeds of 'Convolvulus' and saying Smith was mistaken about them. Intends to ask Salisbury when he intends to publish new edition of his "Paradise Lost" ["Paradisus Londinensis"]. An unnamed "certain person" whose affair with Forster and Lambert deserves him "to be hurt". Would like Smith's opinion of [William George] Maton's new work ["A general view of the writings of Linnaeus"], reviewed by Thornton in the "Monthly Epitome".