As requested via [Thomas] Woodward, sends Smith description of the new 'Ulva' or 'Fucus' found by him at Weymouth, [Dorset], and will arrange for Woodward to send the specimen. Thanks Linnean Society for honour of being elected FLS.

Sorry to hear there is no chance of his being presented to Smith next month in London, on account of Smith's being absent in Norfolk. Thanks for Smith's attentions to his paper, [Thomas] Woodward will forward Smith the specimen. Has submitted to Woodward a fasciculus of his marine plants, and if well received intends to describe and delineate the 3 genera, or at least those not recently described and drawn in England; expects to receive accurate observations in Woodward and [Samuel] Goodenough's paper in forthcoming "Linnean Transactions".

Asks Smith to look over the fasciculus of ["Nereis Britannica"] as far as it is finished and to show it to the Linnean Society. Notes on his intentions and other matters, including: apprehension that no sexual office has been attributed to the "air bladders" [of seaweed], and perplexed by the urn-shaped vessels in fronds of '[Fucus] serratus vesiculosus'.

Discussion of Linnaeus' definiton of reproductive organs of plants and [Thomas] Velley's criticism of his remarks on same in the preface of ["Nereis Britannica"]. Quotes from a letter by Velley to himself discussing this further and the absence of floresence in seaweed, gives his own botanical opinion of the matter.

Informed by [Thomas] Woodward that Smith approves of his work ["Nereis Britannica"]. Inspired by his disupte with [Thomas] Velley [over floresence of plants and seaweed] to investigate seaweed fructification with a microscope, details some of his observations, particularly the production of seeds and air bladders, from examination of: '[Fucus] vesiculosus', 'F. spiralis', 'F.nodosus', 'F. carnaliculatus', 'F. siliquosus', 'F. digitatus, 'F. polyschides', 'F. palmatus', and 'Ulva umbilicalis'. Shall send samples of two or three sea plants. Sending his paper on 'Herniaria glabra' which rectifies other authors' previous errors, including sketch and specimen [see RelatedMaterial below]. Believes the lack of reviews for his book is due to his not having advertised it very widely.

Did not see description of 'Herniaria glabra' in "English Botany" otherwise would not have sent his paper on it to the Linnean Society, has asked [Thomas] Woodward to procure it for his opinion. Advances in his microscopic investigation into the fructification of 'Fucus': believes it possible to construct a generic character incorporating most of 'Fucus' that will be analogous to Linnaeus' sexual system, except for the "vapour", which is substituted for pollen. Explains his method, wishes others could make similar investigations in different locations and describes [Thomas] Velley's contributions. Observations on '[Fucus] bifurcatus'. Relationship of his book ["Nereis Britannica"] with reviewers and the public, [William] Withering has recommended it to [Carl Peter] Thunberg. Asks if Smith has any specimens of or information on 'Fucus natans' as it was described in "Tour of the Continent", does not believe Linnaeus' claim that it is the "most common vegetable in the world". Would like to compare 'Fucus selaginoides' with 'Fucus tamariscifolius'.

Encloses specimen of a small nondescript 'Medusa', it adheres strongly to 'Fucus cricoides', and sends phial of the purple tint of 'Fucus edulis'. Thanks for honour Smith did him in paper read last Linnean Society evening meeting.

[Spec 24 written in pencil at head of verso of folio]

Encloses small drawing [extant] of the small 'Medusa' he left for him at Linnean Socitey's rooms; observations. Has little knowledge of the Mollusca tribe but would be glad to have it the subject of a paper in "Linnean Transactions".

Two small coloured sketches of 'Medusa', one magnified, found adhereing to branch of 'Fucus cricoides' in Mounts Bay, summer 1797.

After discussion with [William] Withering, prior to publication of third edition of his ["Botanical arrangement"], believes that the two varieties of 'Ulex' are distinct species on account of the lengths of calyx. Reports his own observations and agrees with Withering, and that a repeated blunder with 'Ulex' has been passed down in every "Flora" since [John] Ray. Has submitted a paper on this [see RelatedMaterial below]. Character of 'Ulex elatior' and 'Ulex europaeus'. Delaying his remarks on the "curious animal" 'Medusa' until after more observations next summer.