Sends specimens of 'Lichen burgessii'. Not convinced that the "horse-hair insect" is 'Gordius aquaticus', though it may be of that genus; observations. Whilst botanising at Solway Firth found 'Fucus pygmaeus' Lightfoot above the high water market, asks whether it is a 'Lichen'. 'Sampire' common on rocks and 'Alisma ranunculoides' and 'Sison verticellatum' in every meadow. Mineralogy of country between rivers Nith and Orr; granite unfavourable to growth of lichens and other cryptogamia. Curious effect of a great storm in Scotland and England on the tide. Account of a meteor. Account of his time at Leadhills, home of Lord Hopeton, the highest inhabited ground in Britain. Encloses oak leaf with possible new 'Lichen' growing on it, similar to 'Byssus aurea'; observations. Mr Stuart is publishing the "Pentatench" in Gaelic.

Thanks for specimen of 'Lichen aurantiacus' sent by [James] Dickson, asks if [William] Hudson acknowledges it as his 'L. flavo-rubescens', requests to see his 'L. ferrugineus'. Plants found by Dickson in Norfolk: 'Selinum palustre', 'Litorella lacustris' discussion of latter. Hudson thinks [Thomas] Woodward's new 'Lycoperdon' is an imperfect 'Agaricus procerus'. Encloses specimen of [Henry] Bryant's Cossey plant, believes it 'Jungermannia pinguis'; observations.

Notes for Smith to transmit to Hudson on specimens he sent Hudson for determination, including: 'Agaricus dubius', 'Boletus suaveoleus', and others.

["Spec 19" written in pencil at top of verso of first folio]

Snowed in; responding to Smith's letter of 7 September 1782 and account of his visit to the Lakes. Reflections on Edinburgh, effects of winter and snow on the imagination, and snow pancakes. Asks after Smith's medical studies, reflects on tendency for charismatic physicians to be better regarded than those with deep knowledge and recommends Smith to "cultivate these lesser but not less material requisites", the "great school for this kind of learning is the company of ladies". Suggests Smith practice as a physician in this part of Norfolk, which is too far away to be effectively covered by Norwich physicians. Discusses local physicians. Norwich gossip, a pamphlet by Morgan that overleapt "the bounds of decency".

Thanks for apples and his personal items. Recent dinners. His landlady "a very neat clever woman". He has decided to become a "Physician pupil" at St Bartholomew's, for fee of 21 or 25 guineas; its benefits, including not having to dissect.

Linnaeus [the Younger] and [Jonathan] Stokes in Paris. Has been botanising with [John] Sibthorp and found some new Lichens. Death of Yeates. 'Lichen perlatus'. Wishes to join the Royal Medical Society of Edinburgh, and in return offering Smith assistance should he wish to join any French academies.