Smith's last 6 weeks completely occupied "in body & mind", whilst she has been enjoying "complete repose". Asks if Smith has seen his admirers Mr Nicholls and [Thomas James] Mathias [(1754-1835), satirist], if the latter is author of "Pursuits of Literature" [a satirical poem published 1794, Mathias was the author] his praise is "no mean commendation". Sorry to observe in note to that work a question on how ladies could be "modestly instructed in botany", believes Dr [Erasmus] Darwin to be thanked for this censure; will be glad to see "this beautiful & innocent study rescued from all objection" by Smith' pen, further discussion of this. If Dr [Henry] Reeve settles at Norwich it will preclude all of Smith's ideas [possibly regarding practising medicine], but she would be happy for them to be in a cottage than have the collections sold for a carriage. Her excursions around Lowestoft, including discharge of cannon by the fleet at Yarmouth, [Norfolk], in commemoration of 29 May. Recommends seeing Mr Angerstick's collection of pictures, going to Gisleham, [Suffolk].

According to Lord Blandford the Norwich Paving Bill did not meet with opposition in the House of Lords. Misses his botanical conversations with Smith.

By direction of Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the East India Company sends set of [William Roxburgh's] "Plants of the Coast of Coromandel"].

Thanks for Smith's and [Jonas] Dryander's remarks on his 'Scitamineae' paper; plans to add some notes before it is printed and other corrections based on fifteen Scitamineae plants sent by Lord Seaforth [Francis Humberston Mackenzie] from Barbados. Details some of the corrections he is making for second edition of "[Life and Pontificate of] Leo [the Tenth]".

Returns his revised paper on 'Scitamineae'; details some of the changes including rearrangement of genus 'Canna' after observations and thinks all the varieties marked in "Hortus Kewensis" are distinct species. Has been making improvements to his lands and buildings since start of the year. Encourages Smith to investigate difficult genus 'Amomum'. Has no interest in critical reviews of "Exotic botany" and encourages Smith to continue it, thinking that it will "answer much better in the result" than "English Botany".

Received Smith's letter yesterday, remarks on potatoes. Heard from [Benjamin] Malkin [(1769-1842), antiquarian] that Smith's book ["A tour to Hafod" (1810)] was in a "fair way of being made publick". Discusses views and drawings of Hafod, a plan of house, drawing of the mosaic "with its proper colours", internal rearrangements he has made, an engraving of the obelisk he erected to the late [Francis Russell, 5th] Duke of Bedford [(1765-1802)], has no drawing of the "charming chain bridge" on a new walk he has made.

They are all in good health except for [Hanbury] Williams [his brother-in-law], who seems "on the decline", though "if he would not give such way to his grief" [following death of his wife and Johnes' sister, Elizabeth] he would "last some time". Delightful weather and fine foliage, though the "urns of my river gods are almost dry".