Writes in reference to 'Pyrola uniflora', specimens of which he once sent to [James] Hoy of Gordon Castle and which has since been included in a work of [James] Sowerby's, but believes Sowerby has not succeeded in correctly documenting it and will send more specimens for further attention. Relates that John Mackay [(1772-1802) employed at Dickson nursery, Edinburgh] has discovered many plants in north and west Scotland overlooked by [John] Lightfoot, list sent to Sowerby along with specimens of 'Eriocaulon decangulare', Mackay to send seeds of same shortly. Recommends Mackay as a collector. Has received from Dominica seeds and drawing of plant sent as the true 'Iecacuanha' but believes it to be 'Asclepias curassavica' as does [Daniel] Rutherford, will send specimen if desired.

Sends specimens of 'Dentaria bulbifera' should Smith wish for [James] Sowerby to draw them. The parcel Smith sent on was from [William] Withering, not [Thomas] Woodward, concerned Woodward's parcel containing rare seaweeds may be lost. Charmed with Smith's "Syllabuys [of a course of lectures in botany]" but advises him not to expand on the contents at full length otherwise it would be "another "Phil[osophia] Botanica" in a fashionable dress". His sermon heavily criticised by in a review ["A sermon [on Psal xvii 13] preached before the Hon house of Commons Feb 25, 1795"]. Asks if Smith thinks he and Woodward are justified in thinking the root of 'Fucus' has something to do with its nourishment; conjectures that it may be where all the nerves of the plant meet.