Happiness at hearing of marriage of Smith's "amiable young friend". Regret at Smith having removed to Norwich. Relates his summer excursions in Carlingford Bay, Ireland, where he encountered naturalised 'Antirrhinum cymbalaria' and 'Veronica decussata' growing profusely, before sailing to Portpatrick, Scotland. Description of the countryside, including ruins of Castle Kennedy. Travelled onto Glasgow via Culzean Castle, with a description of its setting, and remarks on improvements to Glasgow, return journey to Portpatrick including mountains and plantations. Concludes that August is a bad month for botany, nonetheless found a profusion of 'Parnassia', 'Campanula rotundifolia' covers the fields, missed 'Rhodiola rosea' in Portpatrick. Stayed with Lord Clanbrassil [James Hamilton (1730-1798) 2nd Earl of Clanbrassil] in Dandalk, Ireland, description of his house and grounds, "a great amateur". Congratulates Smith on five plates in [William Curtis'] "Botanical Magazine". Asks whether it is worth subscribing to [Robert John] Thornton's [(c 1768-1837), physician and writer on botany] work. Asks if publication of Andrew's "Ericas" goes on. Saw a 'Phalana' from Virginia at Glasgow that may have been taken for a 'Papilio', reminded him of Smith on insects of North America, and in the "Nat. Miscel." as 'Luna'. Asks if Smith's "Flora" is to be an improved edition of Hudson ["Flora Anglica"]. [Walter] Wade satisfied with 'Hillarney', asks if the enclosed specimen [extant] is '[Hymenophyllum tunbridgense]'. Believes the "invasion" to be a "villainous state trick" [probably General Hoche's attempt in December 1796 to invade at Bantry Bay, Ireland].

Specimen of ['Hymenophyllum tunbridgense'].

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".

Presumes Smith returned sometime ago from his trip to Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire. Has brought a few of the halfpence Smith was desirous of, has heard that they are made in Birmingham, Warwickshire, in sets. Has not yet seen third volume of "Linnean Transactions". Dublin Botanic Garden "goes on famously" but still no head gardener appointed. Disappointed by lack of natural history and botany in Sir George Staunton's "Voyage", believes he may have been restrained by political motives. Encloses a 'Fumaria' he believes is the one in "English Botany". Assumes Smith has postponed publication of the second volume of his "Tour".