Replies to Roscoe's letter of 21 April. At Sir William and Lady East's, amidst "vast avenues of limes, beech woods, abounding with rare 'Orchideae', & a most beautiful surrounding country" to escape London; searching for 'Monotropa hypopitys' in woods near Bisham Abbey, comments on history of that place. Thanks for Roscoe's kindness to his friend John Fraser [(c 1750-1811), botanist], although Fraser did not give the 'Cryptogamic' plant Roscoe sent with him. Recently sent packet of seeds to [John] Shepherd [(c 1764-1836, curator Liverpool Botanic Garden]. Anxious about his brother-in-law, Mr Martin, but not in despair.

Presumes Roscoe's proposed botanic paper will be about natural systems, particularly Jussieu's. Recently received letter from Jussieu, a "very worthy amiable character", though he called the Linnaean system "léze nature". The fashion in the "Banksian circle" is to sneer at Jussieu, [Richard] Salisbury goes but is in much less esteem than he was.

Has just published his "Hafod tour", limited to 100 copies. Has undertaken to finish a "Flora of Britain" in English as soon as possible, to cover the first 23 classes, with a possible separate Cryptogamic volume when "Flora Britannica" is finished. Also contemplating his long projected work on garden plants. New edition of "Hortus Kewensis" printing, Roscoe is "copied implicitly & avowedly" on 'Scitamineae'. Hopes Roscoe agrees with him on spelling of "Linnaeus", for which he cites last "Monthly Magazines", Jussieu, and the French writers. Saw Mr Currie in London.

Visiting Claude Scott. Thanks for Roscoe's letter of 18 June and paper [see RelatedMaterial below], which is "new & satisfactory", but cannot subscribe to the declaration that it is chiefly derived from his [Smith's] works, will suggest other alterations. Frustrated in attempts to spend July in country near London. The plant Roscoe sent is 'Bryum ligulatum' "English Botany" t 1449. "Flora Graeca" to be published in 10 volumes with 100 coloured plates in each, released in half volumes at price of 12 guineas for first two, to become successively cheaper; further details.

His journey from Oxford to Hall Place. His time in London, including seeing [Thomas] Forster, Mr and Mrs Lee, Mrs Barbauld, the Aikins, including Lucy Aikin [(1781-1864), historical writer], whose poem on women is "very admirable"; Mr Thomson of Russell Square, now a master in Chancery; attended a party at Mrs Weddell's with the C Scotts, meeting Mrs [Amelia] Opie [(1769-1853), author], the Rudges, Wilbrahams, Mr and Mrs Frere, and Sir H Englefield. Proposed to the Dilettanti club by Lord Borringdon; intends to join. Oppressive weather in London. Lord Erskine has called on him twice to consult about willows, recommended by William Smith. His "Hafod Tour"; payment and gifting of copies. Intends to dedicate his "Lapland Tour" to Thomas Forster of Clapton, [Essex].

[Letter incomplete: second folio cropped, presumed destroyed]