His health much better but his "perfect recovery will require much time". Pleased to hear of Smith's recovery from his "very severe" summer illness.

Linnean Society continues to get many candidates for admission but few papers; requests a paper for next meeting. [William] Smith and [Charles Sinclair] Cullen elected FLS; [Thomas Thynne, 2nd] Marquess of Bath [(1765-1837)] and Bishop of Salisbury [John Fisher (1748-1838)] now both candidates. Informed by [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert some time ago that the Prince [Regent, later George IV (1762-1830)] was to become the Society's royal patron, has not heard anything since. Asks if [William George] Maton has written to Smith on proposed Linnean Dining Club; some "not very friendly to the plan" but he likes it much.

Proposes formation of a "Linnean Club" from among the "more zealous and respectable members" of the Society, with 15 to 20 members. [Alexander] Macleay, Bishop of Carlisle [Samuel Goodenough], and [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert all approve; its intentions.

Thanks for basket of game. Assures Smith he did not mean to suggest Smith was trying to influence [William Fitt Drake] with his own religious persuasions, and looks upon "any conscientious dissenter as being as good & as religious as any churchman whatsoever".

Will join the Linnean Dining Club, proposed by [William George] Maton, [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert and Mr Baker, if it is a "frugal literary dinner, where eating is not the primary object". Fears the plans for it are moving too fast; could not attend a meeting on subject held at the British Coffee House and attended by Maton, [George] Shaw [(1751-1813)], [Joseph] Sabine, and [William] Pilkington [(1758-1848)] as it would be "out of character". Enjoying reading "Lachesis Lapponica" and the greater maturity of Linnaeus' writing compared to his earlier "Systema".