Received Smith's letter of 19 [May 1797]; glad specimens reached him. Congratulates Smith on his move to Norwich and his marriage. Feels his advancing age; offers to bequeath his herbarium to Smith. News of Dr Woolcombe and Mr McRitchie. Rejoices at prosperity of Linnean Society and success of "Linnean Transactions".

Sent [Walker's] drawing of the moonlight view of Aberystwyth to Mr Edwards of Pall Mall, as Dr Anderson has left London for the north.

Sorry to hear Smith unwell; his own cough remains and took a "good dose of tennis this morning", a "pleasanter medicine than James's powder". Sending portfolio of drawings and plans of Hafod to Mr Edwards, including moonlight view of Abersytwyth belonging to Mr Walker of Edinburgh, who persuaded him to make an exchange he regrets for a drawing of Jacob Moore. Sorry to have lost Calonne's collection, now advertised to be sold piecemeal, as he wishes to encourage his daughter's [Mariamne Johnes] love of natural history as much as possible, "for it must tend to good". Discusses qualities and worth of the Hafod drawings but catalogue of the library delayed. Cannot give Smith good account of his daughter's health and is impatient to set out for sea water, "our sheet anchor".

Plans to visit Smith in Norwich on 3 July [1797]. Directions for copies of "Linnean Transactions" vol 3. Criticises comment made by [Samuel] Goodenough in preface to their paper on 'Fucus', printed in that volume. Wished he could have attended the anniversary meeting at the Crown & Anchor. Hopes to see [Thomas] Velley at Norwich, even though he is a "botanical bore". Encloses certificate nominating [Dawson] Turner as FLS.

Sending part one of his edition of "Species plantarum", apologises for deficiencies; reliant on his own herbarium, not having access to England's "well-endowed" herbariums.

Received Smith's letter of 18 [June 1797]; thanks for his promise of help in naming specimens in the conchology cabinet he is prerparing as a gift, as he wishes to make it scientific.

Disagrees with Smith on proposed changes to Linnean Society regulations, particularly letting the places of Honorary Members fall vacant or to fill by ballot, which "entirely does away the Honor intended"; argues that there is no need to change the rules and regulations, considering the rapid growth of the Society over the last 9 years and the unrivalled harmony it has enjoyed, and to risk the introduction of "distrust & anarchy"; determined to oppose [William] Pilkington's [(1758-1848)] proposed amendment; argues in favour of retaining Honorary Members; [Samuel] Goodenough's own motion to set the position in law.

They will arrive in Norwich on 17 [July 1797], notwithstanding any further obstacles. Thanks for account of 'Saxifraga', which [William] Withering requested him to enquire about, who wanted to know where [William] Hudson's 'S. caespitosa' was from. Thanks for 'Scirpus multicaulis', though as yet does not see it as being truly a 'Salisburia'. Many errors in printing of his and [Samuel] Goodenough's paper on 'Fucus' in "Linnean Transactions", blames Goodenough. Hopes to meet [Thomas] Velley when they come to Norwich.