Thanks Smith for his recent visit to Farnham and for his observations on 'Cycas [revoluta]' and other plants. Infers that 'Cycas' is dioecious from Bauer's painting of a male plant at Vienna and the lack of the corculum in his seed. Shall put aside a specimen of the seed and frondeal leaf for the Linnean Society, thanks for account from [Carl Peter] Thunberg. Thanks Smith for Cape seeds.

Sending drawing of a "minute species" of 'Jungermannia', made in November 1798 [extant]. Bryant has it in his collection, and [John] Pitchford sent him some; [James] Dickson named it 'minima'. Description of the plant. Notes for if it is published in "English botany"._x000D_

[Note to James Sowerby in Smith's hand on recto of second folio] 'Jungermannia divaricata' Smith, to be drawn for table 719 of "English botany"; asks Sowerby to take note of Francis' remarks and to return the specimens and drawing._x000D_

Eight small drawings of plant on single folio, coloured.

Sent a parcel of plants by coach, chiefly cryptogamic; numbered detailed descriptions and observations of the specimens, including: 'Polypodium lonchitii', 'P. aculeatum', 'P. rheticum', 'P. dryopteris', unidentified 'Lichen', 'Trichia fragiformis', 'Veronica montana', 'Primula elatior', 'Sphaeria mori', 'Carex digitata'. Discovered 'Saxifraga umbrosa' in 1796, communicated habitat to [William] Bingley.

Thanks for Smith's last two letters and the seeds. Thanks Smith's brother for the fearnoughts [thick woolen overcoats] which are "very acceptable for our poor"'; requests annual supply. All improving with him and his family: his daughter's [Mariamne Johnes] health better daily, as well as her wisdom, status and beauty; his wife recovering quickly from a very severe cold; his own health the best for ages, which he attributes to the wines from Smith's friend, Voght; his farm "answering amazingly"; all his sales have been successful; and if he gets his asking price for an estate he is selling he will be "clear", after which he can concentrate on translating Froissart [(c 1337-c 1405), French chronicler].

Believes that Lloyd, a "dirty dog of a parson" with a curacy in Norfolk, started the rumour that he was to sell Hafod to Mr Crowe.

Thanks Smith for sending mint plants; if number 11 of the mints is easily procured he would like it to complete the set. Hopes the people of Norwich are raising subscriptions for relief of the poor "at this distressing time", as is happening here; his sister and Mr Dixon have set up a soup shop at Henham selling it at 1d a quart. Encloses plates of his 'Peziza [cuticulosa]' [extant] for Smith to send Persoon, will search for specimens.

Plate of 'Peziza cuticulosa'; description and engraving.

Thanks for specimens of 'Mentha' and copy of Smith's paper on same [see RelatedMaterial below]; discusses classification of 'M. sativa' and 'M. gracilis'.

Gave Smith's remembrances to Sir William and Lady East, she is a "most charming woman" who received great benefit from being in Exmouth. Sir William has recommended steaming, milk and figs or some softening effluvia for his daughter to promote suppuration and healing of the abscess which now certainly lies in the throat. His sister Mrs Nicholas has returned to London and Dr Moncrieffe prescribes continued use of foxglove though her stomach is destroyed. Bad weather destroyed 'Euphorbia paralias' he found though slowly sending 'Fucus' to [James] Sowerby. Has 'Fucus pulmatus' Lightfoot and is satisfied from his observations at Scarborough, [Yorkshire], that the species is distinct; observations on other varities including 'F. coriaceus', 'F. tureicus', and 'F. hepaticus'. Will save 'Lichen caliendrinus' to "ornament" Smith's head next anniversary. Encloses full sized specimen of Porteus 'Fucus ceranoides' of [William] Hudson and will collect all varieties for Sowerby; thinks he has seen the "Dyers Lichen" figured in "English Botany" but unable to get it off the rock.

Sir William asks what 'Laver' is, being convinced that it is "sea liverwort" and not 'Ulva lactua' of modern botanists.

Honoured to be mentioned in "English Botany" but uneasy lest he erroneously judged 'Anchusa officinalis' indigenous. Describes habitat of a 'Gnaphalium margaritaceum' he has found and believes is indigenous, offers to send specimens. Believes a 'Lonicera caprifolium' in Elsfield Wood, Oxford, is indigenous there, criticises [John] Randolph, Bishop of Oxford, for believing it is a variety of common honeysuckle. Long list of habitats of rare plants found this year [by Butt].

Has spent the last eight months in the 2nd Regiment militia which has prevented him from pursuing his botany interests. Glad Smith has seen 'Cycas revoluta', Smith will to determine whether the genus should with the palms or the ferns. Jokes that the "ardour in botanical pursuits is so great" he would not be surprised to hear Smith had found [Carl Peter] Thunberg's 'Disa longicornis', 'Serapias melaleuca' and 'Ixia maculata' in Britain.

His friend, Dr Salt of Birmingham, has found 'Gnaphalium margaritaceum' in Longdon parish, near Lichfield, [Staffordshire], in a meadow with small stream running through it. Sent in addition to [Thomas] Butt's letter [of 17 December 1799].

Has always considered economy of time superior consideration to expense in engravings for "Flora Graeca"; believes the work cannot be solely given to [Ferdinand Lucas] Bauer [(1760-1826), botanical artist] and requires assistance of Mackenzie, as Sir Joseph Banks originally recommended. Recommends enlisting "other artists of merit" such as [James] Sowerby, but unsure how to resolve the issue and requests Smith's opinion as editor. Requests that a drawing be given to Mackenzie to engrave.

Sending second part of second volume of his edition of "Species plantarum", containing classes 'Dodecandria', 'Icosandria', and 'Polyandria'. Third volume, to follow shortly, will contain 'Didynamia', 'Tetredynamia', and 'Monadelphia'. Discusses various species of 'Carex' still under dispute, including 'Carex montana', 'C. leporina', 'C. canescens', 'C. globularis', 'C. ovalis', 'C. paradoxa', 'C. dioica', 'C. reflexa'.

As [John] Sibthorp's will enjoined the publication of 10 volumes [of "Flora Graeca"] with 100 plates in each, and there are only 900 drawings, asks whether the remaining drawings need to be made up from the specimens, and the half finished drawings completed. If so insists [Ferdinand Lucas] Bauer [(1760-1826), botanical artist] starts work on this as soon possible.

Asks whether Smith would not prefer to have his note on 'Mentha' printed in "Linnean Transactions" as a separate paper, or with the extracts from the minutes; asks Smith's opinion of his proposed list of books donated to the Library. Subscription for [Richard] Relhan's herbarium is now at £91 10s, including the 3 guineas mentioned in enclosed letter by [John] Symmons [extant]; asks Smith's opinion of the letter; he himself is against applying again to those who have already subscribed.

[Copy of letter from John Symmons to Alexander Macleay, dated Paddington-house, Lonndon, 5 December 1799] After being informed by Revd [John] Davies that the subscription for Relhan's herbarium was lacking £14 of the required £100 he applied to Lord Valentia [George] Annesley and Mr Alderman Hibbert, who have both added an extra guniea each, as he has himself.