Except for Smith's communication and "a very absurd" paper on migration of birds by [John] Lyon there have been new new papers at last two meetings of Linnean Society, and they have nothing for the next meeting. Council meeting on Tuesday to discuss purchase of a house in Nassau Street. Knows nothing yet of Dr [William] Turton's [(1762-1835), conchologist] certificate but when it appears will speak out. Believes that any member who canvasses for blackballing a candidate after signing their certificate should be expelled from the Society; according to present regulations it now takes a third of members present to blackball a candidate.

No summary available.

Delayed in sending parcel of drawings for Smith's inspection, details of how he will do this. Defers invitation to Norwich. Notes on 'Dillenia aurea'. Thanks for "Exotic Botany" and introduction of his name in same.

No summary available.

[James] Dickson brought specimen of 'Linum trigynum' for [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert to determine; the same was in his Sirrenagur enumeration of "Asiatic Annual Register" 1800; will send drawing; observations. Will also send drawings of [William] Roxburgh's 'Capparis aphylla'; observations [annotation "not sent"]; and a 'Bignonia undulata' [annotation "sent"], which he had previously sent plants of to Calcutta Botanic Garden; observations.

Questions Smith on Linnaeus' published works, his acquisiton of the Linnaean collections, and progress of the Linnaean system in Britain, for new edition of [Richard] Pulteney's "A general view of the writings of Linnaeus". Intends to include a diary of Linnaeus he recently purchased. Asks if Smith is publishing "Lachesis Lapponica".

Difficulties of Smith's new work ["Flora Graeca"]. If beginning his botanical pursuits again he would make a work comprising the new or rare plants he has introduced; the next best thing he could do was to keep his collection as open to possible to draughtsmen such as [Ferdinand Lucas] Bauer [(1760-1826), botanical artist] and [James] Sowerby, and [Henry Charles] Andrews [(fl 1790s-1830s), botanical artist] and [Sydenham Teast] Edwards [(1768-1819), botanical artist], though the former two have not had cause to use it. Initially averse to his name being given to any genus. He has not been so abundant in new plants since cutting of his communications with the Cape.

Hopes Smith received his last letter, in which there was "a hint respecting one of your baronets meant for your own eyes alone" [this letter is not extant in this collection]. Read [Anna Laetitia] Barbauld's "most excellent" introduction to [Samuel] Richardson's "Letters"; it is a "charming collection", but too long. Smith's "little friend" [his daughter, Marimane Johnes], to be as proficient in drawing as in music. His work on translation of Froissart [(c 1337-c 1405), French chronicler] keeps two compositers and one press man fully employed; third volume finished though worried White is keeping them aside as he has not seen second volume yet.

Conservatory thriving under sole management of Mrs Johnes; she received two double red and double variegated 'Camellia' from the Duchess of Bedford [Georgiana Russell (d 1853)] and asks what sort of 'Bigonia' will thrive in conservatory and best time for them. Depending on the "majorities" intends to spend this year at home finishing his book.

Sends what he has so far written for the press of Linnaeus' Lapland tour ["Lachesis Lappoinca, or a Tour in Lapland" (1811)], and a few sheets of the original to give an idea of the figures; proposes having these traced to be engraved, as he is in constant need of the originals, having only the translation of the Swedish. Anxious to have something fixed as his translator, Carl Troilius, is expecting his payment of £60 by end of the year.

Thanks for notice of the £50, arrangements for transferring. Laments death of his "old friend" Lady Rockingham [Mary Watson-Wentworth].

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No summary available.

Reports death, on 19 December, of Lady Rockingham [Mary Watson-Wentworth], ten days before Smith's box of biscuits and apples arrived. Mrs [Elizabeth] Weddell [Watson-Wentworth's step-sister] the sole executrix. Lady Rockingham was being treated by Dr Fraser and there were hopes she would recover, and she was not confined to bed any more than usual, but she died with water on the chest at about 5 o'clock in the morning.