Saw 'Rubus chamaemorus' in fruit on the mountains near Bewcastle, Cumberland. Doubts whether 'Galium witheringii' is distinct from 'Galium uliginosum' having found 'G. witheringii' growing very similar to 'G. uliginosum' in ditches. Specimen of 'G. witheringii' enclosed [extant].

Specimen, labelled 'G. witheringii'.

Believes Smith is determined not to see Boyton House. Has successfully raised many new plants to flower this year but lost 'Bartonia', [Thomas] Nuttall's [(1786-1859)] "white and yellow 'Oenothera'" which have failed elsewhere are hardy in his garden. Has stayed with Marquess of Blandford [George Spencer-Churchill] at Whiteknights, [Reading, Berkshire], "never saw the vegetable kingdom brought to such perfection". Returned with a Mexican 'Verbena'. Blandford acquired [Christian Gottfried] Nestler's "Monographia de Potentilla ". Enquires after Smith's publications.

'Menispermum cocculus'.

Thanks for introduction to Mr and Mrs Kett, bad weather prevented them from doing much together. Pleased with second edition of the "Compendium [florae Britannicae]". News of David Don [(1799-1841)], second son of George Don, who has discovered a new 'Carex'. Encloses flower of 'Astragalus campestris'. 'Assa foelida' has flowered, advice on growing it from seed.

Apologises for not acknowledging receipt of payment from Smith. Sent a copy of the "Insects" as requested [probably Smith's "The natural history of the rarer lepidopterous insects of Georgia" (1797)], happy to supply Smith with any books, Abbot is marked 22 guineas.

Thanks for Smith's portrait, with which he intends to illustrate a copy of the "Tour to Hafod" along with portrait of [Thomas] Johnes. Sorry they have not yet sold the coppers [for "Hafod"] yet, [Joseph Constantine] Stadler [(fl 1788-1820), engraver] objects to taking them. Hopes Smith "will not be a looser by [his] American friend".

Bill to Smith for "Abbot and Smith's Insects" £14 14s.

Writes to Smith for first time after several years of interruption due to the war. Sends some of his botanical works. Requests seeds for the the Florence botanical garden which he is recultivating; after some years as a "culture garden" it is reverting to its original function as the botanical school is to be attached to it. Offers to send Italian seeds and samples of mineralogy.

On verso of first folio Smith has annotated "Ansd. Nov. 8. 1818 by Dr Stevenson - with 50 sorts of Cape seeds".