[Robert] Brown makes no objections to becoming a vice-president of Linnean Society. Presumes 'Senecio squalidus' is wild; pleased to hear of 'Ophrys arachnites'; observations on this.
Doubts authenticity of Christy's 'Cistus surreyanus' found near Addington, having searched the area himself with [William] Borrer and only finding 'Cistus helianthemum'.
He is about to be married to [Jane Martyn (d 1896)], a granddaughter of Professor [Thomas] Martyn. Requests Smith's assistance in obtaining drawings or descriptions of 'Martynia longiflora' and 'M. craniolaria', for coloured drawings he intends to have made of all the 'Martynia' as a gift to his wife.
Sorry that return of Smith's illness prevented him from visiting [Edward] Forster, to whom he had previously sent a collection of his willows for Smith, concerned Smith has not seen them. His gardener has several specimens he wishes to show Smith, hopes he will be able to see Smith soon.
List of plants he considers not generally known, offers to send any specimens: 'Epilobium [densum]', 'E. spicatum', 'Ononis spinosa', 'O. arvensis', 'Iris', 'Tormentilla media', 'Veronica decumbens', and 'V. praecox'.
Printing a "copious" index to his "History of Birds"; details of its intended size. Condolences on death of Samuel Goodenough; believes Smith and himself are only surviving founding members of Linnean Society.
Death of the Bishop [Samuel Goodenough]. His niece Ethel[red Catherine] Benett to be married to Lord Charles [Spencer-]Churchill [(1794-1840)], second son of the Duke of Marlborough [George Spencer-Churchill], details of a wedding visit by Murrays and Selways.
In postscript Lambert anxious to mention something that occured just before he left London [there are no details but his reference to old sayings "no good can come out of Israel" and "you cannot wash the blackamoor white" imply this may relate to Richard Salisbury]. Last sheets of "Description of the genus Pinus" are to be printed.
Lady Cullum never free from her "teazing fever", though she has been treated by Dr [Pelham] Warren [(1778-1835)] and Sir Henry Halford [(1766-1844)]. Was not at the [Horticultual Society's] disastrous public breakfast in Chiswick; it was left to one man to provide an afternoon breakfast for 3000 people. Intends to return to London shortly. Death of Bishop of Carlisle [Samuel Goodenough]. Informed that his old schoolfellow Mr Baker of Portland Place and Orsett, Essex, has left his wife £15,000 per year, her name was Trafford. Purchased account given by committee of the intended London University, notes that William Jackson Hooker is appointed lecturer in Botany and Vegetable Physiology.