Honored by Lady Cullum's visit to him in Bury. The "severe east wind & most abominable atmosphere" in London have given him several colds. No news of the lawyers opinion of mode of electing a future professor [Smith's campaign for Cambridge botany professorship]. Intends to return to London for 7 May to attend Linnean Society and admit Duke of Bedford [John Russell, 6th Duke] FLS. [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert "rather nervous, but cheerful", Sir Joseph Banks "very well" and Lady Banks "very fat, good humoured & kind as usual". Very full club at last Royal Society meeting, four new fellows admitted. Attended dinner and party at [Edward] Rudge's with the Goodenoughs, Marsdens, Blackwells, Sir William and Lady Anson, and Bathursts.

Lady Cullum pleased by her visit to Smith. [William] Webb, Master of Clare Hall, wonders if the Cambridge collge heads can reduce the number of candidates to two [Smith's campaign for botany professorship].

Reminisces that at this time of year in his youth he collected 'Orchis mascula' in the meadows and 'Ophrys aranifera' in the chalk hills and pits. If in Yorkshire this summer hopes to see 'Trientalis' growing on its native soil near Scarborough and to pick 'Primula farinosa', as [William] Curtis did. Glad Sir Joseph Banks is well but wishes [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert in better spirits. Enquires if a Linnean Society list for 1788 was printed, to complete his collection of 1789 to 1815 inclusive; a minute of the first meeting in his possession lists Smith, [Samuel] Goodenough, Jonas Dryander, James Dickson, John Beckwith, Thomas Marsham, and John Timothy Swainson in attendance. Wishes Marsham had continued as Secretary.

Suffering from a violent cold caused by severe weather and "pestilential town air". Plans to visit Cullum in Bury after visiting [Humphry] Repton in Harestreet, [Essex]. Does not think a Linnean Society list was printed before 1789. Edward Forster to be proposed as new Society Secretary and Lord [Edward Smith-]Stanley as Vice-President. Sir Joseph Banks ill in bed with a slight erysipelas on his toe and [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert "well & cheerful, but nervous".