Asks Smith to sign certificate for his diploma so as to practice as MD, at request of Professor Beattie of Aberdeen. Has found 'Daphne laureola' growing near him; heard that 'Cypripedium calceolus' grows locally though yet to find it. Death of his wife, his youngest daughter dangerously ill with same illness.

Has observed 'Falio aeruginosus' ['Circus aeruginosus' ?] very common on peat moors, and 'Parus biarmicus' in the sedges, they hope to find nests and eggs of the latter, "an object much desired by ornithologists". Found an 'Orchis' very like 'O. monorchis'.

[Smith has briefly noted contents of his reply] happy to sign, suggests Dr [John] Sims, [William George] Maton, or [Robert] Batty for other signatory. Asks "who & what is Mr [James] Bicheno".