Hopes Smith received the letter he sent a fortnight ago. Happy to hear of Smith's good health, impatient for his return as he has no botanical friends about him at present. Forwards letter and box of specimens recently received from [Romanus Adolph] Hedwig; unfortunately a box of books and rarities for Smith also from Hedwig has gone missing in transit. Encloses moss specimen [extant] which appears to be 'Barbula stricta' of Hedwig, found by [Nathaniel] Winch at Newcastle, [Northumberland]. The Irish seem pleased with his idea of a "Muscologia".

Specimen, labelled in ink, "'Barbula stricta'? Mr Winch", and in pencil "not of Hedwig - Schwaegr."

Specimen, labelled in ink, "'Tortula pilosa' Schrad. I found these leaves by accident among another moss from Norwich".