Does not see a connection between the birthing and the death of one of Dr [Edward] Rigby's [(1747-1821)] quadruplets. Surprised that it took Smith so long to find 'Thlaspi arvense'; recalls finding it in abundance in the turnip and corn fields of Brompton, Oxfordshire, from whence he sent it to [William] Curtis for "Flora Londinensis" and supplied the London cultivators with seeds.

Glorious weather for the last six weeks but sharp frosts at night, heralded by the arrival of the Barnacle goose 'Anas erythropus'. Discusses Linnaeus' naming of two species under 'erythropus', his own being the male, and [John] Latham's 'albifrons' being the female. Thinks [Dawson] Turner undertook too much with his "Fucus". Ashamed by [Thomas] Marsham's behaviour [repeated delays in repaying money owed to Linnean Society]. Has not seen any of [John] Stackhouse's work but never had any opinion of his "skill or candour". Surprised that Sir Joseph Banks is to make his Lincolnshire journey, and admires the Bishop of Durham's [Shute Barrington] activity at the age of 85 and a half. [Elizabeth] Hill [(c 1760-1850), algologist] in distressed circumstances and contemplating teaching marine botany.

Franked Smith's letter to [John Eddowes] Bowman. The line of distinction between 'Veronica hybrida' and 'Veronica spicata' is imperfectly marked, recalls having plants of both in his Ealing garden. Certain that Linnaeus was incorrect in labelling 'Anas albifrons' the female of 'Anas erythropus', as proved by his having obtained a female specimen of the latter.

Thinks it strange that Dr [Edward] Rigby's [(1747-1821)] quadruplets died so suddenly and without apparent cause. His daughter, Mrs Lynn, became ill with a fever whilst visiting with five of her nine children; Goodenough had to treat her himself with "a good bleeding", diluting and refrigerant liquids, and gentle purgatives. Cumberland farmers finishing their harvests, typhus fever has been worse than usual there this autumn.

Frustrated by the shortsightedness of his servants who do not consider the seven mile journey to Carlisle necessary to procure anything. Interested by all details of the birth and extreme suddeness of deaths of Dr [Edward] Rigby's [(1747-1821)] quadruplets; would like there to be a postmortem carried out on the last to die. Typhus fever endemic in the unclean parts of Carlisle, although it was only noticed after one of the physicians died of it; Goodenough thinks he might have recovered had he been allowed enough wine.

Seeing the pods of 'Thlaspi arvense' reminded him of his father's Oxfordshire home and the plant being mentioned in [William] Curtis' "Flora Londinensis", which he now reads for the comfort it brings in reminding him of old friends. Recently received as "rarities" 'Erysimum barbarea' and 'Agrostemma coronaria' but has not yet received 'Potentilla rupestris'. Remarks on a theory of Dr Clarke's regaring the tomb of Joseph and the Pyramids. Cumberland hills covered in snow, some "lazy" farmers still have cut corn in the fields.