Describes his journey from Norwich to Wales, via Worcester, Ludlow, where he saw 'Inula helenium', Bishop's Castle, New Town, and Aberystwyth. Praises setting and interior of Johnes' house. Johnes' daughter, [Mariamne Johnes], "though not above 10 years of age has taken a wonderful turn for botany & entomology"; her skills. Disappointed by botany in Wales, observing only common plants of hilly, not alpine countries, and mosses and lichens chiefly of the tree kind: 'Lichen laetevirens', 'L. glomuliferus', 'L. scrobienlatus', 'L. sylvaticus', 'L. resupinatus', 'L. plumbens' all common, found one 'L. perlatus' in fructification, 'Hypericum dubium' lately observed near Worcester is one of the common things here, thinks it overlooked for 'H. perforatum'.

The Johnes' family are the "guardian angels of the country", and consequently not liked by the neighbouring gentry, "who want to keep up all the old tyrannic notions, & never think of other people's starving"; [Thomas] Johnes lately imported a ship-load of wheat from Bristol to sell at a loss. Harvest here and all over the country is "fine"; hop-grounds of Shropshire "are beautiful". Sends 'Hypericum dubium' and 'Gnaphalium' which he took to be the true 'H. sylvaticum' but must be 'H. rectum' of "English botany".

Following his stay at Hafod intends to visit Dr Parr at Llandilo and then his aunt and her grandchildren at Bath. Lack of limestone, chalk, or gravel here leaves the flora poor, with 'Solidago virgaurea', 'Serratula tinctoria', and 'Hypericum dubium' growing prodigiously. [Andrew] Caldwell disappointed of his Guernsey expedition. Johnes' expensive taste in literature.

Notes and observations on the 'Hypericum' Smith sent from Wales, which nearly approaches 'H. perforatum' but seems clearly distinct; the 'Gnaphalium' is undoubtedly 'G. rectum'. Comparison of prices for books owned by [Thomas] Johnes' and [Andrew] Fountaine. Finest harvest almost ever remembered, with great bulk of barley, oats, peas, and beans; wheat not quite as good. Death of Lee a "great loss" to Smith. [Andrew] Caldwell's disappointment at frustrated Guernsey trip; suggests he supplies 'Fucus' from Irish coast; Caldwell's promise of supplying Irish halfpence, lists the varieties.

Congratulations on Smith's engagement; his opinion of Mr Reeve; what he has heard of "the lady" [Pleasance Smith, née Reeve]. Corrects observations he made on 'Hypericum' Smith sent from Wales. [John] Pitchford met a surgeon in Wisbech, [Cambridgeshire], who has found 'Orobanche ramosa', 'Dactylis stricata', '[Riccia] glauca' which he thinks 'Riccia natans', and 'Ulva incrassata'. [John] Stackhouse hopes Smith has received his paper on 'Hirniaria glabra'; received specimens of 'Fucus' from him and Velley via [William] Withering, including 'F. elimiathoides' and 'F. defractus'; observations. Coins.

Received a letter from Matthew on great financial distress of [Richard] Relhan, who applies to Smith and Sir Joseph Banks for a subscription to be raised for him at the Linnean Society or elsewhere; unsure of Relhan's current situation. Asks when Smith is next at Norwich; hopes for an introduction to Smith's fiancée [Pleasance Smith, née Reeve]. Asks after elections to Linnean Society, including Abbé Ricolini. Anxious to hear from [Samuel] Goodenough, who is comparing [John] Lightfoot's [‘Fucus'] specimens at Frogmore for their joint paper. [John] Stackhouse's great progress on marine plants; expects him to discover real nature of their fructification and mode of propagation; Stackhouse's paper on 'Hirnicaria glabra'. Arrangements for exchange of coins between himself and Miss [Sarah Sophia] Banks [(1744-1818)].

Encloses comments from [Samuel] Goodenough on [John] Lightfoot's 'Fucus' specimens, showing that Lightfoot's work on this genus was "almost always guesswork". Expects a battle with Goodenough over 'Fucus repens' and its right to be called a species; observations. [John] Stackhouse's "accuracy & industry" in investigating marine plants, in reference to 'F. repens'. Long character description and observations on 'F. repens'.

Congratulates Smith on his marriage [to Pleasance Smith].

His plans for visiting London; difficulties caused by Smith's removal to Hammersmith. Sent [Samuel] Goodenough his last two descriptions for their paper on 'Fucus'; notes thereon, including on engraving of plates. Pleased to hear that Smith intends to go on "seriously" with the "Flora [Britannica]".

Smith's trip to Hafod, Cardiganshire, pleasant except for [Mariamne] Johnes disorder; fortunate that Smith's was there to diagnose and suggest best treatment; Mrs Woodward's cousin of 17 years old suffered from similar affliction and made long but successful recovery following Mr Potto's method.

Smith's East Anglian friends rejoice at his intention to settle in Norwich, [Norfolk]. Received 'Bellium bellioides' of [James] Crowe's garden from [John] Pitchford; a new British genus. Asks after [Dawson] Turner's admittance to the Linnean Society.

Received [William] Withering's new edition [of "An arrangement of British plants"]; "very much improved" in arrangement and matter; [Samuel] Goodenough's assistance with 'Carex', [Hugh] Davies' with mosses, and [Thomas] Velley's and [John] Stackhouse's with 'Fucus', including some not in his and Goodenough's paper, as they did not want to supersede them. Requests specimens or view of [Adam] Afzelius' American 'Fucus' species, so they can be described.

Thanks for Smith's letter of 20 January [1797]; pleased to hear of Smith's successful move from Hammersmith, [Middlesex], to Norwich, [Norfolk]. Had a letter from [Samuel] Goodenough expressing his regret at Smith's removal from London and fears of it being injurious to the Linnean Society; he himself fears Smith's "uninterrupted literary leisure" at Norwich will prevent his visits to London being as frequent as the wellbeing of the Society requires. Plans for their visit to the Smiths in Norwich.

Glad to hear of hopes of favourable outcome for [Mariamne] Johnes' lameness. There is no "greater plague than the fancied discoveries of young botanists", in reference to "minute" specimens sent by Dawson Turner of several marine plants. Writer in the "Gentleman's Magazine" for December [1796] has proposed arranging 'Fucus' with the zoophytes; in response states that 'Fucus' are "really & truly vegetables, producing seeds", and [John] Stackhouse is currently engaged in experiment of raising the larger sort from seed, and expects to succeed.

Glad Smith likes [William] Withering's new edition [of "An arrangement of British plants"]; Withering is indebted to Smith and others for the improvements; Withering's "true spirit of candour". Surprised by Smith's objection to the alteration of the system; had idea that Smith entirely approved [Carl Peter] Thunberg's system and that he intended to adopt it for his "Flora [Britannica]". Curious to see [Archibald] Menzies', not [Adam] Afzelius', 'Fucus' specimens, one appears similar to his 'Ulva decorticata'.

Plans to visit Smith in Norwich on 3 July [1797]. Directions for copies of "Linnean Transactions" vol 3. Criticises comment made by [Samuel] Goodenough in preface to their paper on 'Fucus', printed in that volume. Wished he could have attended the anniversary meeting at the Crown & Anchor. Hopes to see [Thomas] Velley at Norwich, even though he is a "botanical bore". Encloses certificate nominating [Dawson] Turner as FLS.

They will arrive in Norwich on 17 [July 1797], notwithstanding any further obstacles. Thanks for account of 'Saxifraga', which [William] Withering requested him to enquire about, who wanted to know where [William] Hudson's 'S. caespitosa' was from. Thanks for 'Scirpus multicaulis', though as yet does not see it as being truly a 'Salisburia'. Many errors in printing of his and [Samuel] Goodenough's paper on 'Fucus' in "Linnean Transactions", blames Goodenough. Hopes to meet [Thomas] Velley when they come to Norwich.

Encloses certificate proposing Lord St John as FLS. Received visit from [Thomas] Velley; discussed his and [Samuel] Goodenough's joint paper on 'Fucus'. Praises second fasciculus of [John] Stackhouse's ["Nereis Britannica"], but criticises his plan to form several genera based on microscopic observations, as Hedwig did with mosses, as being too "minute & intricate for general observers"; his own proposed criteria for separating 'Fucus' genera. Chases up copies of his and Goodenough's paper and [James] Sowerby's "Fungi".

Replies to Smith's letter of 2 October [1797]. Account of Mrs Manning's [Woodward's mother-in-law] suspected severe inflammation of the lungs, which she overcame at age of 73. He has suffered attack of gout in his right hand. At Smith's request examined all his specimens of 'Bromus' and finds that a "ciliated" "inner value" appears in the "coarse, rough" species, but not 'B. giganteus', observations on this; also examined his 'Festuca' specimens for same; observations.

Sorry for "sad account" of Mariamne Johnes, hopes Smith's attendance on her will not incovenience him too much.

Thanks for Smith's letter of 4 November [1797]; pleased by account of favourable turn in [Mariamne] Johnes condition; recommends book just published in Paris detailing similar cases, "Observations sur la nature et sur le traitment du Rachitisme, pur M. Poral". Steady recovery of Mrs Manning [Woodward's mother-in-law], in spite of her old age.

Reexamined all his 'Bromus' specimens and found that 'B. erectus' is ciliated; notes on this. [John] Stackhouse has a new 'Medusa' for Smith, and a nondescript bird with description for Linnean Society [see RelatedMaterial below]. Glad Oxford has a professor "more liberal minded" than [John] Sibthorp; "mysteries & secrets in scientific matters never answer any other purpose than to hurt the character of the person who deals in them". Thinks the 'Tordglium maximum' and 'T. officinale' must be erroneous, knowing that the habitats given for them are the same place.

Sends specimens and notes by himself and [William] Withering of three genera of grasses, including 'Poa angustifolia', 'P. bulbosa', 'Festuca rubra', 'F. duriuscula', and 'Bromus diandrus', and others.

Pleased to hear of good prospect for health of his sister, Fanny, being treated by Dr Lubbock, would have preferred similar account for Mrs Fred Smith. [William] Withering has sent a parcel of specimens to Smith in London, including possible new species of 'Drosera'; notes. Hopes Smith examined the 'Fucus capensis' he sent; observations on discharge of seeds and capsules. Requests specimens of [Archibald] Menzies' North American 'Fucus' species; [Dawson] Turner has acquired some. Heavy snow.

Postpones their meeting; surprised Smith is already thinking of returning to London. Glad Smith is named editor of [John] Sibthorp's "Flora Graeca"; it will give Sibthorp more credit; Smith has the notes from his examination of Tournefort's herbarium at Paris; and will add an "additional leaf" to Smith's "wreath, already sufficiently full". Poor health of Smith's sister, Fanny, and sister-in-law, [Mrs Frederick Smith]. Thanks for parcel from [William] Withering, which contained seed of 'Bromus diandrus', which could become a valuable grass to sow for sheep pasture; 'Anthoxanthum verna' has similar properties; asks if Smith knows anyone willing to experiment with 'Poa annua' for same end.

Mild and wet winter but his health good aside from remains of rheumatism. His farm goes on, "like the nation, very flourishing"; financial issues. Anticipating arrival of "Linnean Transactions". Intends to meet [Samuel] Goodenough in London to accelerate their work of examining 'Fucus', will finish his 'Lycoperdon' paper afterwards. Requests return of his paper on 'Fucus [fastigiatus]' and 'F. farcellatus' for revision; requests loan of Linnaean 'F. farcellatus'.

Commissions London lodgings from Smith; his requirements. Intends to wait for an original edition of Leers' "Flora" as the plates in the new edition are badly copied. Discusses Sir John Rous' [1st Earl of Stradbroke (1750-1827), politician] and Lady Rous' interests in botany; John is more practical, forming large plantations with American and other forest trees, he may buy Smith's L'Héritier for his wife. Discusses Smith's forthcoming publications. Discusses specimens or figures of 'Lycoperdon coliforme' and 'Ligusticum cornubiense'; [William] Hudson's statement of knowing its habitat "a piece with the rest of his assertions"; thinks the fire was fortunate for his credit as he could not have always refused a reference to his specimens.

Urges Smith to publish his travel journal, to "convince the world that a botanist can write English intelligibly & that he can give some observations beyond the names & places of growth of plants".

Glad that Woodward was not more seriously injured in his coach accident; now thinks of their parting jokes as "almost criminal"; hopes Woodward prosecutes the coach operator for taking so many people on board. Reveals when he was 20 years old it was discovered that he had broken his collarbone at some point in his childhood. He was recently at Sir Joseph Banks' when [Charles Godfrey] Woide [(1725-1790)] of the [British] Museum suffered an apoplectic fit; he died shortly after.

[Letter incomplete: second folio cropped, only three lines of text remain]

Broke his collarbone and bruised his arm and leg in a stagecoach accident; refused to go to a surgeon and went straight home; making a good recovery; all of the 17 or 18 travellers were injured. Thought of their parting words but does not blame Smith. Smith's "distressing" visit to Sir Joseph Banks' [apoplectic fit and death of Charles Godfrey Woide (1725-1790)].