Received Smith's letter of 28 [March 1825]; sorry to hear he has been suffering from a rheumatic complaint in his eyes. Pleased Smith is satisfied with the willows he has so far gathered for his Salicetum; has not yet acquired 'Salix glauca'. Going to London at the end of the month but will be in London before Smith leaves, and hopes he will prevail on Smith to come and see the willows in full leaf, though fears there will be errors in the names. His health better than it has been for some time past, though has suffered from severity of the protracted winter.

Received Smith's letter of 24 [March 1825]. Pleased Smith approves of his "Hortus Ericaeus"; they took great pains to ensure accuracy and hope that the diagram will prove useful; Mr Hayter intends to draw up an enlarged "illustration of its uses" to present to Royal Society. Willow cuttings sent by Smith safely received; they will form foundation of the willow garden he intends to make. Will be pleased to show Smith his collection of heaths when he has leisure to visit Woburn [Abbey, Bedfordshire]. Pleased to hear Smith is busy completing the third volume of his "[English] Flora".

Following Smith's promise of assistance in procuring plants for his just established Salicetum, sends list 'Salix' already in his collection and requests that Smith procure cuttings of any 'Salix' species wanting.

Sorry to hear of Smith's illness. Asks that when Smith is at his friend Mr Forster's [probably Edward Forster] to compare his collection of willows against the Woburn catalogue. Invites Smith visit Woburn [Abbey, Bedfordshire] whilst he is in London. Pleased to hear that Smith is going to sit to "that admirable artist", [Francis Leggatt] Chantrey [(1781-1841), sculptor] for his bust.

Sorry to hear of cause of Smith's detention in the country. [Edward] Forster had invited [George] Sinclair to see his collection of willows; sorry Smith will not be able to see him but will ensure specimens are sent to Smith.

Sorry that return of Smith's illness prevented him from visiting [Edward] Forster, to whom he had previously sent a collection of his willows for Smith, concerned Smith has not seen them. His gardener has several specimens he wishes to show Smith, hopes he will be able to see Smith soon.

Smith's candidature for Botany Professorship at Cambridge University. Will write to his friends in support of Smith's candidacy, his son has also done the same. Has informed Lord Hardwicke [Philip Yorke, 3rd Earl of Hardwicke (1757-1834) ?] of [Thomas] Martyn's [prematurely reported] death, believes he will do everything possible for Smith. Hopes Smith will visit in the summer with [Thomas William] Coke.

Ask JR to advise the Queen to issue Her Royal Commission of Inquiry into the best methods of securing the improvement of the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge.