Writes in reference to 'Pyrola uniflora', specimens of which he once sent to [James] Hoy of Gordon Castle and which has since been included in a work of [James] Sowerby's, but believes Sowerby has not succeeded in correctly documenting it and will send more specimens for further attention. Relates that John Mackay [(1772-1802) employed at Dickson nursery, Edinburgh] has discovered many plants in north and west Scotland overlooked by [John] Lightfoot, list sent to Sowerby along with specimens of 'Eriocaulon decangulare', Mackay to send seeds of same shortly. Recommends Mackay as a collector. Has received from Dominica seeds and drawing of plant sent as the true 'Iecacuanha' but believes it to be 'Asclepias curassavica' as does [Daniel] Rutherford, will send specimen if desired.

Has reminded [John] Mackay [(1772-1802), employed at Dickson nursery, Edinburgh] to send specimens of 'Eriocaulon decangulare'. Thinks [James] Hoy an excellent botanist. Behaviour of 'Pyrola uniflora' on island of Harris leads him to believe that [Richard] Gotobed's account is wrong. His woods plentiful with 'Satyrium repens' and 'Ophrys cordata', sending specimens of both to [James] Sowerby. Has been unable to find 'Satyrium albidum'. 'Linnaea borealis' flowering well in his botanical garden but has never found it wild, will ask [James] Beat[t]ie about it.

Sending by Mr Falconer specimen and seeds of a grass from the Cape of Good Hope, believes it to be 'Holeus saccharatus' but seeks Smith's opinion. Poor weather has prevented him from pursuing botany.

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.