Received Smith's letter from [William] Young; pleased to hear he is still prosecuting his favourite study; Smith's paper to the [Natural History] Society gave great pleasure. He is about to commence his medical studies. Asks if the aquatic lichen he sent Smith has been determined yet; he has found it in great quantities in Lanarkshire growing with 'Tremella verrucosa'.; found 'Tremella nossoc'. Small sketch and description of an unidentified "thing" he recently gathered on the shore [an egg case or mermaid's purse].

Congratulates Smith on purchase of the Linnaean collections, which "will be a means of making [Smith] much know". Dined with [Thomas] Woodward and [James] Crowe, latter anxious for Smith not to make any agreements as to disposal of collections before speaking to him. Glad Smith has said the purchase will not interfere with his medical studies, as exclusive study of natural history can only be pursued by those with independent fortunes. Advises Smith to buy the herbarium of the younger Linnaeus if not included in the main purchase, for the duplicates. Will now regard Smith as "a second Linnaeus", though afraid Smith's other pursuits will not enable him to make full use of the collections. Opportunity for correcting Linnaeus' incorrect synonyms in "Species plantarum". Many made unwell by "this cruel winter".

Pleased to hear of safe arrival of Linnaean collections, Smith must have been made anxious by long delay in its coming.

His considerations and advice on Linnaean collections, following discussion with Smith's father [James Smith]: recommends Smith focus on his medical studies, and after arranging and cataloguing it to his satisfaction he should decide what parts, if any, to dispose of; if Smith intends to give lectures then neither the minerals, plants, or insects can be disposed of. Recommends caution on publishing new editions of Linnaeus' works from the manuscripts, and suggests publishing a "Flora Britannica" in "Linnaean dress", if Smith can obtain [John] Ray's plants or verify his synonyms. Danger if exhibiting the plants of being pre-empted in publication of new English plants.

[Richard] Relhan has gathered 'Athamanta oreoselinum' Hudson and named by him 'A. hibanotis'. Hudson has found 'Corrigiola littoralis' on Devon coast.

Thanks Smith for the "very judicious and liberal criticisms" he made upon the sheet [probably "A botanical arrangement of British plants" second edition], discusses various aspects of the work, including: difficulties of making the references; accenting of trivial and generic names, in accordance with Smith's opinion; omitted etymology; has made the times of flowering as accurate as possible but unsure how to do same for ripening of seeds and budding of leaves; work proceeding so slowly it will not be ready for publication next year, unless they leave the cryptogams for an additional volume.

If young Linnaeus had lived they had intended to compare the plants with the Linnaean specimens; they now hear the whole collection is coming to England, but they do not know who has acquired it. Will send Smith a copy of the book when printed.

Envies Smith his access to Sir Joseph Banks as he has no library or collections. Promises Lichens.

Thanks Smith for introduction to Marquis Ippolito Durazzo.

Enquiries about Linnaean collections.

Count Castigliani of Milan.

Requests tubs of herrings for his friends. He is in London for arrival of his son's [James Edward Smith] purchase of the Linnaean collections and for placing his youngest son, Richard, with an architect. Confident of the collection's value. His hopes for Richard.