Thanks for election as FMLS. Sending his paper on genus 'Dillenia' for "Linnean Transactions". Received a specimen of 'Ternstromia', a species of his 'Cleyera'. Awaiting list of Smith's plant requirements, but in meantime enclosing specimes of 'Hovenia' and other grasses. Whilst he was in Africa received specimen of 'Wachendorfia graminifolia', and brought back from Japan nuts of 'Gingko bilboa', but has been unable to obtain flowers from it.

Enquires whether Smith received two letters he sent some time ago, the first with seeds requested by Smith [this was received, letter of 18 Mar 1788], and the second introducing Father Balsamo of Siciliy [not extant] and thanking Smith for seeds of 'Caroline'. Seeds of 'Hedisarum gyrans' sent by Smith have grown but not yet flowered. Sending list of seeds picked last year [from botanic garden of Santa Maria Nuova hospital] [not extant].

Received Smith's letter and Linnean Society diploma. [Gregory] Boraston briefly visited him, has given him a copy of [Pier Antonio] Micheli's [(1679-1737)] 60 plates ["Icones plantarum submarinarum"] for Smith. Brief history of Micheli's work: it was intended for second volume with "Nova Genera", and Tozzetti's father [Giovanni Targioni Tozzetti] attempted to separate the zoophita from the plants after Micheli's death. Plans to publish the unpublished parts, may ask Smith for assitance. Also sending with Boraston his memoir on 'Lathyrus sativus', many additional observations can be made and adds that after Mr Visconti had for some time been fed a small amount of the seeds of it and lost the use of his legs. Visconti eventually died and at his dissection it was discovered he was suffering from advanced synovitis in the joints and his bones had become so soft that they could be cut with a knife.

Fears that [Gregory] Boraston may not have been able to deliver to Smith the plates of [Pier Antonio] Micheli's [(1679-1737)], memoir on 'Lathyrus sativus', and letter he entrusted to him in Florence. Has requested of Mr Hilton a model of the pump of Albion mill.

The newly established Académie Delphinale.

Corrections and comments on Smith's usage of Latin in a manuscript sent for review [possibly Smith's translation of "Flora Lapponica"]. Asks Smith to confirm what he wrote of 'Lichen gypsaeus' and briefly discusses Linnaeus' terminology. In reference to 'Lichen tiliaceus' quotes a Latin remark about [Georg Franz] Hoffmann. Terminology applied in description of 'Lichen cucullatus'. Long discussion of usage and eytymology of "scutella"; "scutellum" incorrectly used by Linnaeus in "Philosophia Botanica", whereas the younger Linnaeus used "scutella"; wishes the elder Linnaeus had been more of a scholar.

Met [Jonas Carl] Dryander on way to Kew where two species of 'Aponogeton' are in flower, the 'Fudisia' [?] with "red superb flowers". Note on reverse of letter asks Smith to send the specimen of 'Cistus guttatus'.

Recently suffered recurrence of his old complaint affecting his teeth. Sorry Smith did not call on him in Bury on his way to Norfolk. Spent two days in Bungay, [Suffolk], with [Thomas] Woodward: weather bad but saw living species of 'Orobanche ramosa' growing with 'Cannabis sativa' at Meltingham, offers specimen; collected specimen of 'Pyrola rotundifolia' on Bradley Common near Gorleston, growing with 'Salix caprea', 'Sphagnum palustre', 'Hydrocotyle vulgaris', and 'Valeriana dioica'; could not find 'Gentiana pneumonanthe' from his late brother's [Sir John Cullum, 6th baronet (1733-1785)] habitat near Lowestoft church due to drainage of the wet common and enclosures.

Recommends [James] Sowerby do new drawings for Smith's new edition of "Flora Lapponica", and that the frontispiece be an engraving of Sir Joseph Banks' portrait of Linnaeus; hopes that the frontispiece of the new proposed edition of "Historis muscorum" will be an engraving of Dillenius from the Oxford portrait. Requests Smith's assistance in finding London lodgings. Publications: asks Smith's opinion of last fasciculus of "Flora Danica"; sent a poor tenth volume of the "Amunitates" by White [publisher]; wishes for someone to go on with a "Flora Londinensis" or "Flora Anglica" and to see the two new volumes of [John] Latham's "Description of birds".

Afraid to tell Smith of his marriage lest he thought him "a deserter of the good cause"; tells Smith about his wife.

Botanical queries: is there a good figure of true 'Carex saxatilis'; is the true 'Bromus pinnatus' of L.Fl. the 'Bromus pinnatus' of [William] Hudson; when will Smith publish his volume of "Obs[ervationes] Bot[anicae]"; when is fifteenth edition of "Systema Vegetabilium" published. Intends to send Smith the drawings for his work, though fears it will not be complete before Smith finishes his "Systema Vegetabilium". The young [Albrecht von] Haller [(1758-1823)] and [Jacob] Wyttenbach disapprove of his proposed title "Illustrationes Hall.", proposes "Florilegium Helveticum" instead. Berne booksellers wish to reprint [Abrecht von] Haller's [(1708-1777)] "Historia Stirpium" and have requested Davall's plates; [Werner de] Lachenal [(1736-1800)] declines to edit it as he wishes to keep his discoveries for his own "Flora Helvetica".

Criticises [Nikolaus von] Jacquin's "wretched" figure of 'Arenaria liniflora' in "Collectanea" vol 2. Asks for [James] Dickson to respond to his questions on cryptogamia. Sent Smith 'Lichen cucullatus' and seed of 'Geranium pusillum' for William Curtis, and 'Stellaria biflora' of Linnaeus and 'Stellaria cerastoides'. Has specimen of extremely rare 'Sisymbrium tanacetifolium' for Smith. Requests permission to quote Smith's work on 'Sonchus [alpinus]' and 'Stellaria dichotoma'. Longs to study coloured plates of 'Limodorum', 'Tankervilli', and 'Strelitzia', and for [James] Sowerby to copy Miss Lee's drawing of 'Protea mellifera'. Comments on Jacquin's figure of 'Senecio sarracenicus' and 'Senecio nemorensis' in "Flora Austrica". Seeds of 'Hieracium alpinum' for Smith, discusses this plant with reference to [Carlo] Allioni and [John] Lightfoot and degradation of colour in herbarium specimens including 'Trifolium incarnatum'. Difficulties with 'Chenopodium' and discrepancies with Haller. Offers to send paper with drawings on 'Gentiana pedunculata' for Linnean Society, discusses its flower and similarities to 'Swertia carinthiaca' with five small ink sketches. Will send 'Carex tomentosa'. Asks after Smith's ["Icones pictae plantarum rariorum..."] and [Richard] Salisbury's ["Icones stirpium rariorum..."]. Thinks that Wyttenbach "should stick to his minerals" after sending Smith 'Stellaria cerastoides' for 'Cerastium alpinum' to Smith, and the same to himself as 'Arenaria multicaulis'. Small sketch in ink of his newly made herbarium cabinet in the same style as Smith's; ambitions for his collection. Indebted himself £600 in setting up his library.

Sending parcel of one hundred and thirty plants for Smith via Mr Gooch, some of which are from Smith's desiderata, and with this letter includes systematic list of them [extant]. Explains key to his list: plants marked with a red cross urgently need an answer from Smith; plants marked "S" are gathered in Switzerland and "G" from his garden. Smith has further annotated Davall's systematic list of specimens, marking "Fl" on those incorporated into his herbarium and a series of ticks denoting when he wrote his remarks on the specimens.

Also sends six drawings of his work for [James] Sowerby with the original specimens, and two samples of beadwork from a convent for Smith's sister. 'Smithia sensitivia' and 'Diapensia lapponica' framed and glazed in his study. Requests another copy of "Hortus Kewensis" as the "Flemish affairs" prevent communications between Switzerland and England.

Busy writing and delivering his zoological and botanical lectures, teaching Lady [Amelia] Hume, and preparing his "Icones ineditae" and "Icones pictae". Thanks for chamois horns and seeds. Discusses Davall's marriage and wife; he himself has been unlucky in love although there is one woman who would make him happy. [Edward] Forster's marriage. His servant François [Borone] has returned to England but not currently placed with him.

Apologises for his initial silence on his marriage. Briefly outlines contents of a parcel of specimens and drawings for Smith sent via Mr Gooch. His 'Bulbodicum' is being included in [Werner de] Lachenal's [(1736-1800)] "Flora Helvitica". Discusses his correspondents [Jacques] Dorthes and [Dominique] Villars; the latter has not yet conceded on 'Sonchus alpinus' and says the 'Arenaria', number fifty on Davall's list, is his 'juniperina'. Asks Smith to stand godfather to his child.

Plants and drawings safely arrived but will wait for his zoological lectures to finish before commencing study. This year intends to bring out new edition of "Systema Vegetabilium" and a journal of his tour of the continent. Will inform [James] Sowerby of Davall's directions for the drawings. Davall should change name of 'Scirpus supinus' if certain it is Linnaeus' plant, otherwise call it 'Scirpus elongatus'. Received three proofs of Davall's work from Sowerby: the 'Spartium', 'Sisymbrium', and 'Crepis'. Davall's 'Scirpus triqueter' correct.

Numbered observations on some of the plants Davall sent him. Lady Rockingham has been ill but now recovered. Intends to bring out "Syst. Veg." next winter followed by "Obs[ervationes] Bot[anicae]". Warns Davall not to be cheated by [Albrecht von] Haller [(1758-1823)] and [Jacob] Wyttenbach and to bring out his book as soon as possible, approves of title "Illustrationes Hallerianae". Received Davall's box sent via [Charles St Clair, 13th] Lord Sinclair [(1768-1863)]; thanks for 'Lichen cucullatus', forwarded parcel to [William] Curtis. Spoke to [James] Sowerby about copying 'Protea mellifera'. '[Tussilago] paradoxa' called 'Tussilago spuria' of [Anders Jahan] Retzius [(1742-1821)]. His 'Senecio nemorensis' has "eight or nine rays". Knows no good figure of 'Carex saxatilis'.

Flattered that Davall should wish him to be godfather to his child but could not promise to bring it up in the Church of England as he finds it too close to popery and "believes no nonsense under the specious name of mystery"; explains his own religious beliefs.

'Cardamine resedifolia' and 'Stellaria cerastoides' growing in his garden. Hopes [Charles St Clair, 13th] Lord Sinclair [(1768-1863)] will be able to deliver the parcel of lichen in fructification and the true 'Stellaria biflora' of Linnaeus. Hopes to publish his work before next March and Smith's "Systema Vegetabilium". Thinks the editors of new edition of [Albrecht von] Haller's "Historia Stirpium" ambitious to think it will appear before Easter 1792.

Pleased with [James] Sowerby's figure of his 'Sisybrium'. The bead work he sent for Smith's sister is from a covent at Pontarlier, [France]. Received "Hortus Kewensis". Wishes for Smith's agreement on differentia specificae of following plants, some include observations of his own: 'Potamogeton (retusum)', 'Gentiana (pedunculata)', 'Chenopdium polyspermum', 'Crepis musicata', 'Spartium decumbens', 'Sisymbrium obtusifolium', and 'Phyteuma'. Impatient for the rest of [James] Dickson's answers on cryptogamia he sent so as to be correct in his new species for [Werner de] Lachenal's "Flora Helvetica". Asks to be recommended to [John] Fairbairn, [James] Lee, and [William] Aiton. Genus 'Potentilla' and number eight on his list of plants sent requires special attention.

Smith will receive via Mr Mandrot: a parcel of sixty plants; a collection of views of his neighbourhood; "Panzu" "Observationes botanicae", is still waiting for [Nikolaus von] Jacquin's "Enumeratio Stirpium ... agro Vindobonensi"; [Albrecht von] Haller's "Nomenclator" and extremely rare copy of "Catalogus Stirp. rar. Helvetia", he procured three copies from Haller's widow for Smith, [Dominique] Villars, and himself.

Gratified by Smith's response to his request to become godfather to his unborn child, and as he only wanted Smith to be a friend to the child will give it no godparents at all. His own views on religion: feels closest to God in his "herborisations". Thinks it odd that neither [William] Curtis not L'Héritier can admit 'Geranium pusillum'; defends his position. Extensive comments on Smith's notes on previous parcel of plants. Requests bulbs of 'bulbifera' of [James] Dickson. Requests Smith's opinion on 'Stellaria biflora'. Discusses 'Tussilago spuria' and 'Tussilago paradoxa' of [Ander Jahan] Retzius, and a 'Tussilago alba' he transplanted is flowering as 'Tussilago petasites'. Requests Dickson, [John] Fairbairn, [James] Lee, and Curtis to send hims seeds. 'Thlaspi alpestre' and 'Astragalus leucophaeus' in his garden from Smith. Wishes to buy bulbs and roots of Lee: can obtain 'Iris sibirica' and 'Iris germanica' but not 'Iris foetidissima', 'Geranium relflexum'. Desirious to see 'Cnicus cernuus', and would like 'Onopordon deltoides' "Hortus Kewensis" instead of 'Poinciana pulcherrima'. Sorry Lady Rockingham is ill.

Observation on 'Brassica orientalis'. Asks Smith to press Dickson for his opinions on the cryptogamia he sent last year, necessary for them to be authenticated for Swiss flora. Sending parcel of plants for [Samuel] Goodenough. Including 'Mespilus amelanchier' in this letter [in Smith herbarium, see RelatedMaterial below]. Settles money owed Smith for Dickson's first fasciculus of dried plants and postage of various letters.

Found 'Sonchus canadensis', 'Ranunculus alpestris-nivalis', 'Anemone alpina', 'Bryum pomiforme', and 'Bartsia alpina' whilst searching on Mount Suchet for 'Ribes rubrum', which he thinks may be 'Ribes petraeum'. Instructions for [James] Sowerby for plates of his book, including their proposed titles: 'Crepis muricata', 'Micropus erectus', 'Spartium decumbens', 'Sisymbrium obtusifolium', 'Androsace carnea', 'Gentiana tenella', 'Potamogeton retusum', 'Scirpus elongatus', 'Carex myosuroides', and 'Agaricus venosus'. Briefly outlines characters of each for Smith's approval. Intends to name the book "Illustrationes Florae Helvetica". Responds to Smith's comments in his letter of 25 April [1790] on plants he sent Smith [listed in letter of 27 February 1790].

[Werner de] Lachenal [(1736-1800)] offended at impertinent conduct of the young [Albrecht von] Haller [(1758-1823)]. Transcribes, in French, extract from a letter received from Lechanel on Smith.

Smith writes on 11 July: Suffered a slight pleuratic attack. [Edward] Forster's wife's sister, Mrs Wishaw, is dying after being improperly managed by Mrs Williams following birth of her child, eating beef steaks and drinking wine not being permitted to suckle her child; the abundance of milk has induced a milk fever and is now in hopeless state.

Thanks for Davall's assistance in determining 'Geranium molle', 'Geranium pyrenaicum', 'Geranium puscillum', and 'Geranium rotundifolium'. Responds to points in Davall's previous letters: happy to keep 'Schoenus ferrugineus'; 'Lamium laevigatum' not yet in seed; Davall can say what he pleases about 'Phaca alpina'; Davall's 'Stellaria biflora' correct, and also correct about [Anders Jahan] Retzius' [(1742-1821)] 'Tassilago'; will get hold of 'Onopordum dettoides' for him; Lady Rockingham recovered; [Jacques] Dorthes busy taking a degree.

Smith writes on 14 July: thanks for Davall's packet [mentioned in his letter of 31 May 1790] containing books, views, and plants. Responds to points in Davall's letter of 29 June 1790: all the names for his plates acceptable and [James] Sowerby has commenced work on them; has done nothing with 'Phytenma' so returning it; approves of Davall's title for his book; approves of Davall's differentia specifica; exhorts Davall to publish as soon as possible and before [Jacob] Wyttenbach and [Albrecht von] Haller [(1758-1823)] [new edition of the elder Haller's "Icones plantarum Helvetiae"]; fears [Werner de] Lechanel's letter to him has been lost. Mrs Wishaw, Forster's sister, has died, and Miss Lee has returned home to die of a "deep consumption".

Numbered observations on remainder of Davall's former packet: 'Cistus marifolius' HL, 'Anemone sulphurea', 'Mentha aquatica', 'Galeopris villosa' Hudson, 'Sonchus plumierii', 'Hypochaeris helvetica', 'Achillea moschata', 'Micropus erectus', 'Betula incana', 'Quercus cerris', and 'Fontinalis pennata'.

Numbered observations on packet of plants just received: 'Inula oculus-christi', 'Thymus vulgaris', 'Galeopsis villosa' Hudson, 'Aria flexuosa', 'Mespilus cotoneaster', 'Carduus crispus' HL, 'Carduus rivularis' Jacquin, 'Lathyrus latifolius' HL, 'Sisymbrium tanacetifolium', 'Dentaria pinnata', 'Draba fladnizensis' Jacquin, '[Dentaria] verna', 'Androsace villosa', 'Androsace lactea', 'Androsace obtusifolia' Allioni, 'Dianthus glaucus' Hudson, 'Tribulus terrestris', fungus on 'Euphorbia', 'Euphorbia', 'Carex argentea', 'Cheiranthus fruticulosus' HL, 'Lamium maculatum', and 'Euphorbia palustris' HL.

Numbered observations on packet of plants of 27 February 1790: 'Valeriana montana', 'Crocus vernus', 'Scirpus supinus', 'Phalaris alpina', 'Aria subspicata' HL, 'Briza eragrostis' HL, 'Poa eragrostis' HL, '[Festuca] duriuscula', 'Stipa juncea', 'Stipa capillata', 'Avena versicolor', 'Potamogeton retusum', 'Cerinthe minor', 'Lonicera nigra', 'Lonicera caerulea' HL, 'Lonicera symphoricarpos', 'Chenopodium atriplicis', 'Chenopodium murale', 'Bupleurum angulosum' or 'B. ranunculoides', 'Selinum chabraei', 'Laserpitium', 'Aethusa bunius' HL, 'Pencedanum silars', 'Juncus pediformis' Villars, 'Rumex lunaria' HL, 'Rumex aurens' J Banks, 'Saxifraga sedoides', 'Saxifraga biflora' Allioni, 'Sedum saxatile' Wiggers, 'Cerastiums', '[Euphorbia] gerardiana', 'Prunus padus', 'Crataegus chamaemespilus', 'Potentilla aurea', 'Potentilla minima' Davall, 'Potentilla subacaulis', and 'Papaver alpinum'.

Davall's 'Carex' is published as 'Carex bellardi' in [James] Dickson's "dried plants" and it would vex [Carlo Antonio] Bellardi to change it. Distributed Davall's seeds amongst [John] Fairbairn, Dickson, [James] Lee, [William] Curtis, and [Samuel] Goodenough, but forgot [William] Aiton; desperate to make peace with him as Aiton is secretely jealous of his ["Icones pictae plantarum rariorum..."]. Sending seeds of 'Angelica archangelica'; bulbs of 'Dentaria bulbifera' from Dickson; 'Cineraria palustris', 'Artemisia carerulescens', 'Smyrnium olusatrum', and 'Holosteum umbellatum' from [Edward] Forster; and second fasciculi of Dickson's dried plants and ["Fasciculus plantarum cryptogamicarum Britannia"]. For forseeable future must labour for his support as he is too much of a burden for his "most indulgent father" who thinks physic would be more profitable, he himself knows "nothing is to be got by a young physician in London". Sending spare copy of Burman's "[Specimen botanicum] de Geraniis".

His wife gave birth to a daughter. He suffered from diarrhea for last three weeks. Collected 'Schoenus ferrugineus' and 'Satyrium repens' for Smith. Will send Smith 'Bartsia alpina' every year. Frustrated that out of paternal concern Mr Mandrot refused to pay more than 10 guineas for [James] Sowerby's work on his plates. Work on his book very slow and does not feel capable of producing a second and in future will send his notes to Smith or publish them through Linnean Society; feels he would be more useful to Smith botanising in his garden and in the wild. [Werner de] Lachenal is not jealous of the book and encourages him as it will be useful for his own intended "Flora Helo. Linnaeus ordine". [Jacob] Wyttenbach and young [Albrecht von] Haller [(1758-1823)] have offended himself and Lachenal in pursuit of their work [new edition of elder Haller's "Icones plantarum Helvetiae"] and transcribes, in French, long extract from offensive letter sent by Wyttenbach who wishes to use Davall's plates in the new edition.

Observations on various Alpine plants: 'Arenaria striata', 'Arenaria liniflora', 'Hypericum babatum', particular observations on 'Hypericum richeri', 'Saxifraga ajugifolia', 'Arenaria grandiflora' and 'Arenaria triflora', 'Arenaria laricifolia' and 'Arenaria liniflora' of Bauhin, now thinks what he thought were two plants of 'Chenopodium polyspermum' are the same plant in different stages of growth. Discusses in detail 'Cerinthe' from one of his previous packets. No longer thinks Haller is correct to name 'Alium angulosum' the same as 'Alium senescens'; compares with plants of [Nikolaus von] Jacquin's "Flora Austriaca" t423 and Gmelin's ["Flora Sibirica"] t11 f3. Discussion of Haller's plants 30 and 31. Anecdote relating to sale of Haller's library: in the same year it was sold to the Emperor there was a fireworks display costing £1500, when a smaller sum would have kept the library. Developing an area in his aunt's garden for shelter and a different exposure for about 800 plants in pots. Convinced Haller's plant number 30, in his parcel of 27 February 1790, is 'Salsola prostrata' of Jacquin's "Flora Austriacta". Plant 59 'Euphorbia gerardiana'.

In postscript down left-hand margin of recto of first folio Davall has written that he has been very ill since writing this letter, and hopes Smith received a letter from Mrs [Henriette] Davall [letter is dated "by post of 14 Sept 1790" but was evidently written before].

Indisposition of Edmund Davall.

Smith writes to Edmund Davall: Glad Davall's health is better; warns him not to fatigue himself with botanical pursuits. Charmed with letter from Davall's wife. Responds to Davall's letter of 27 April: pleased with the 'Lichen cucullatus', thinks 'Stellaria biflora' correct, Davall should publish 'Phytenma' if he thinks it new, his "Systema Vegetabilium" ["English Botany"] not out before March. Responds to Davall's letters [of 29 June and 14 September 1790]: thanks for trouble he took over 'Satyrium repens'; recovered from his cold; Davall should pay Sowerby when he can, although they both have little money having "drained their purses" to bring out their "great work without being under the thumbs of booksellers"; warns Davall not to lend his plates to [Jacob] Wyttenbach and [Albrecht von] Haller [(1758-1823)] [for their new edition of the elder Haller's "Icones plantarum Helvetiae"]; Davall should concentrate on completing his book and he can reserve new plants and observations for a second edition; responds to points on 'Hypericum', 'Arenaria grandiflora' and 'Arenaria triflora'; thought Bauhin's 'Arenaria laricifolia' was 'Arenaria striata', though Davall may be right to think it 'Arenaria liniflora'; assents to Davall's new 'Cerinthe'; 'Allium senescens'; agrees with Davall on 'Salsola prostiata' and 'Euphorbia gerardiana'; confusion over 'Crepis virens' and 'Lapsana capillaris'.

Smith writes to Henriette Davall, in French: [description to follow].