Thanks for Smith's letter; account of their recent movements. [Johann Georg Adam] Forster's [(1754-1794), botanist] herbarium has now arrived in London for him, the original herbarium of "Florulae Insularum Australium Prodromus", details of arrangement; some of the New Zealand plants could be similar to their New South Wales plants, useful for Smith's "New Holland Prodromus".

Received [William] Sole's book on mints, and fresh specimens of all his species, anxious to hear Smith's opinion on them. Received confirmation that Sole's 'Mentha pratensis' is a garden escape. Asks if Smith received two copies of Jacquin's "Hortus Schoembrunensis". Requests specimens of all Smith's new genera in "Linnean Transactions" vol 4. Asks after [William] Roxburgh. Sent [James] Sowerby 'Polypodium oreopteris' of [James] Dickson.

Relates events of [Edmund] Davall's death, which occured 26 September 1798. Davall had been confined to his bed for the last three weeks, describes his health in the run up to his death. Died as the apothecary was applying sinasims [mustard plasters] to his feet. Mrs Davall very miserable at her loss. Shocked by Swiss custom to dress and bury the dead in their best clothes, believes it is strongly insisted on by the lower classes. Davall has left Smith his Herbarium. Clark concerned that Davall's "splendid collection" of books shall be a heavy burden to the family in the current distressed condition of Switzerland and Europe. As he has no prospect of getting to France he shall shortly to return to England, having been away 14 months. Hubert sending his paper on bees soon.