He has little botanical news, his lectures taking up too much of his time. His "Flora Britannica" and also a "Florula" of New Holland are going on well. Believes [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert has provided Pulteney with a sketch of his 'Proteacea', overseen by Sir Joseph Banks and [Jonas] Dryander: order of 'Rutacea' numerous and difficult; 'Dicandria Papilionacea' most troublesome of all; 'Pultenaea' stands firm. He has been "addicted" to butterflies recently; in a few days a "splendid" work on "the rarer lepidopterous insects of Georgia" is to appear, including new plants not figured in "Hortus Kewensis".

Invites Pulteney to Norfolk to see the Linnaean shells, reassures him that none "strayed" whilst they were being organised. About to publish a volume of miscellaneous natural history papers. [Adam] Afzelius and [Archibald] Menzies are preparing accounts of their travels. Staying here till 25 May.

His practice too busy to allow him to visit London. Hopes Smith's "Flora Britannica" will prevent publication of "crude and indigested compilations of others", and pleased to hear of Smith's "Proteacea", "florula of New Holland [Australia] plants", and ["Tracts relating to Natural History"]. Would have liked to visit Smith in Norwich to compare his one thousand shell collection with Linnaeus'. [Thomas] Rackett has purchased [Emanuel Mendes] da Costa's plates [(1717-1791) English naturalist] and plans a new impression [of unnamed work but presumably "The British Conchology"]. Relieved to hear of L'Héritier's safety but disappointed he has not finished his works. Requests remaining numbers of L'Héritier's "Pertumn", "Gerania" ["Geraniologia"], and "Plantae Rariores" ["Sertum Anglicum"], and [Antonio] Cavanilles' "picture volumes" ["Icones et descriptiones plantarum"?].

Alarmed at the state of growing unrest in Ireland. Comments on reports published by a secret committee of both Houses of Parliament and the "great ability and contrivance shown by the conspirators". Fearful of consequences of a successful French invasion. An unusually cold spring has prevented him from botanising. Disappointed to not get the benefit of Smith's recent lectures. [Walter] Wade will repay Smith soon. Would like to see Smith's 'Lepidopteros' insects but the cost of travelling is very high because of the domestic situation, hopes Smith will give the etymology of the terminology in his study. Believes Smith's friend Johns will have a "magnificent fund of entertainment" in studying shells, remarks that the collection of [Charles Alexandre de] Calonne [(1734-1802) French statesman] probably arose "more from ostentation than taste".

Thanks for plants; sends works; Salisbury.

Sends specimens of all his mints ['Mentha'], which though from his garden can be considered as in their native, wild state, as he never allows compost or manure into his botanical garden.

No summary available.

Thanks Smith for the present of rare plants. Concerned with the economic aspects of botany rather than scientific: attempting to find new plants for cultivation and improve yields and quality of plants already cultivated. Planning a series of experiments with Mr Schmeisser to verify the causes of the fertility of particular grounds for particular plants. Has made a herbarium pictum in the style of Lord Bute's [John Stuart, 1st Marquess of Bute (1744-1814)].

Success of his work with the poor of Hamburg, who now number less than 2500, subsequently asked to assist with establishment of similar instituions in Bern and Copenhagen. Account of his 500 acre model agricultural estate [at Flotbeck], he teaches his neighbours more efficient farming practices. Congratulates Smith on his marriage. Asks after progress of Smith's ["Botany of New Holland"] and "Flora Britannica". Will attempt to send Smith 'Lepidoptera' specimens from the Dutch colonies. Sympathises with Mr Patterson's loss, no longer needs the plough and other implements requested of him several months ago. Death of Dr Giesck. It is now fashionable for German botanists to study Cryptogamy. Thanks Smith for offer of a collection of English provincial half-pennys. Mr Schmeisser and Mr Wattenbach ask to remembered to Smith.

Pleased Smith received his letter of 9 October [1796]. Congratulates Smith on his marriage. Sending copy of his speech delievered at Royal Academy of Sciences, Stockholm, on history of medicine and its status at Uppsala University, including appendix with biographies of Rudbeck, Linnaeus, and others. Invites Smith to submit papers to "Proceedings of Royal Society of Uppsala".

Received Smith's letter of 12 [May]. Gained relief from the worst cough he ever had by applying a blister to his chest, and now so well as to go to Bath tomorrow, where he will bring drawings for Mr Edwards. When he returned to Hafod found that Mrs Johnes had "performed miracles", including finishing the conservatory. 'Azalea pontica' growing so well gardener is considering laying it to get more. Asks for any Botany Bay seeds Smith is sent by his friends. The Botany Bay Gum tree is dead but 'Assa foetida' alive, hopes to have two 'Strelitzia' next year, which had a narrow escape from being destroyed due to damp bottom. Asks Smith's opinion of Calonne's museum, which he has been offered and would like to buy for his daughter [Mariamne Johnes]. Received magnificent present from Sir John Sebright [7th baronet (1767-1846) ?] of Edward Lloyd's [Edward Lhuyd (1660-1709), naturalist and antiquary ?] collection of Welsh manuscripts.

Disappointed not to see Smith before he left, especially as was in Windsor, [Berkshire]. Thanks Mrs Smith for Norfolk cakes and requests the recipe. Returns copies of Smith's "Spicilegium [botanicum]" and "[Icones] pictae [plantarum rarorium]" and requests others, and sends a Sierra Leone 'Amarylis' to be drawn by [James] Sowerby, requests the name. An exchange of fasciculi with set of late [Harvey] Spragg's.

Enquires after [John] White [(1757-1832), surgeon in New South Wales], Mrs [Elizabeth] Weddell reports that he "had got what he wished" although not sure what that is other than it being "ten shillings a day". Imagines White saw a lamentable scene at Portsmouth, [Hampshire]; she fears "all things are growing worse & worse". Wishes to subscribe to the work Smith mentioned.