Apologises for several misunderstandings: was not aware of Smith's propriety in naming [Jonas] Dryander as vice-president [of Linnean Society]; insists that he has not complained of Smith's move to Norwich to anyone; his hint about [maintaining the cordiality of Thomas] Marsham was not intended as a slight on Smith's regard.

Reassures Smith of the stability of his position as President of the Linnean Society; his term "fixed vice-president" only means that one person will manage everything in Smith's absence, rather than an inefficient division of authority between multiple parties. [Jonas] Dryander's strengths for the position, thinks [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert will "do vastly well under him". Thanks Smith for specimens.

Apologises for sending enclosed volumes so long after publication [probably Withering's "An arrangement of British plants" third edition].

Encloses two species of 'Arundo' of Linnaeus gathered last summer for Smith to name, always supposed them 'Arundo epigejos' and 'Arundo calamagrostis'; detailed observations on each, gives characters of his specimens.

Received specimens of 'Chizonia pulchella' recently found for first time since being found on north coast of Cornwall some years ago; differences with figure he originally made [in his "Botanic arrangement"]. Corrections to his 'Gentiana collina' figure; from new specimens received thinks it is nondescript. Thanks Smith for offer of sending proof sheets of "Flora Britannica" as they came off the press so as to correct his own work, but various circumstances means he could not profit by such. Asks after possibility of seeing Smith at Edgbaston.

Sending specimens of 'Dillenia indica' in addition to those already sent to Sir Joseph Banks, to be divided with Smith. Poor health since coming to Calcutta, intends to go to coast of Coromandil and possibly on to Cape of Good Hope. His last 12 months work in the drawings sent to Banks from India House. [Francis] Buchanan has found the palm 'Nipa' or 'Nypa' of [Georg Eberhard] Rumphius, a new genus which Roxburgh plans to name after Buchanan.

Almost finished editing text of his "labyrinthic essay" [on the trachea of birds, see RelatedMaterial below], and drawings nearly done; his concerns, details of the text and drawings

Directions for Smith to obtain box expected for him from Calcutta, before going through Customs House; Smith still has a friend at Court, Mr Dominicus, brother-in-law to [William] Kirby and Mrs Sutton. He is making two cabinets, one for insects and one for shells. [Jonas] Dryander presided [at Linnean Society] but was very ill "with the Piles". [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert also ill.

Papers for "Linnean Transactions" vol 3 plentiful, including ones by [John] Latham on "The Trachea of Birds" and [Bracy] Clark's paper. Sorry to hear that ideas have started for removing Smith from his Chair; reassures Smith he does not think so and thinks the best solution for Smith's absence is a "steady & active substitute", which [Jonas] Dryander is to undertake.