Received Smith's letter of 4 [January 1784]. Apologises for tone of his last letter, which he knew would give Smith pain, but felt compelled to write it for love of his family [on purchase of the Linnaean collections]. Believes it is out the reach of their abilities to attain the collections, especially considering the "no small non-inelegant house" required to house them, and the claims of the rest of his children. Pleased that Smith has consulted Dr Pictairn and other "judicious friends"on value.

Thanks for seeds. He was lucky to get copy of Linnaeus' "Supplementum plantarum"; wishes he could get Hedwig's "De Muscis"; impatient to see Linnaeus' "Amoenitates academicae" vol 8, though he admires Linnaeus more as a naturalist and systematist than philosopher. Laments death of the younger Linnaeus, "a severe blow to the progress of Botany & Zoology". Wishes to see [William] Aiton [(1731-1793), director Kew Gardens 1759-1793] "Hortus Kewensis". Thanks for Smith's attentions to his desiderata. Requests advice and information from London hospitals on improving hospitals here.

Has been waiting for a letter from Smith. Fears Smith will only be able to continue his botanical studies in London by studying herbariums. Concerned to hear of a dispute at the Royal Society between Sir Joseph Banks and Mr Hutton. [William] Younge now President of the Edinburgh Natural History Society. Asks if Smith made a catalogue of the plants he collected from around Edinburgh; difficulties of collecting.