Forwarded Smith's letter to [George] Don and believes Don will be satisfied with Smith's conciliatory manner and correct his mode of publication, which is symptomatic of a general surplus of natural history publications: "everyone [is] publishing, quite to the nausea of purchasers, the commonest things - when [George] Shaw [(1751-1813), naturalist] published the cock-sparrow & the common snail, I thought it high time to discontinue the Nat[urali]st's Miscellany". Don's discoveries are very valuable; the 'Hypericum' and 'Equisetum' were new to him. Believes others have been more devious than Don has been in attempting to naturalise foreign plants; cites example of Laurents and himself sowing 'Sisymbrium polyceratium' in the streets of Bury [in reference to claims by James Donn of Cambridge Botanic Garden that Don had used Cambridge seeds to grow and then claim as plants indigenous to Scotland, see RelatedMaterial]. Thinks Don's 'Lamium' a distinct species especially if the leaves are constantly petriolated.

Hugh Davies sent him his three species of articulated 'Juncus' but one had no leaves to it [see RelatedMaterial below]. Remembers the 'Sempervivum sediforme' at Kew and contending with [William] Aiton [(1731-1793), gardener at Kew] that it was 'Sedum', Aiton convinced it was 'Sempervivum' on [Daniel] Solander's authority. Pleased by Smith's proficiency in Greek and with Dioscorides, recommends Theophrastus and Bodaeus' notes. Sorry to see that "envious creature [Richard Salisbury] again barking at you" and reaffirms that Smith is the "King of Nat[ural] History". Was not aware that Dr [John] Hull [(1761-1843), physician and botanist] was of such a "predatory turn". Eager to see "Flora Britannica" complete but glad to find "Florae Graecae Prodromus" progressing so well.

Smith's reply to Goodenough's letter dated 12 November 1808. Has Bodaeus' Theophrastus but as [John] Sibthorp's intention was to illustrate Dioscorides does not intends to go further with "Flora Graeca" or "Florae Graecae Prodromus". Requests Goodenough's advice whether to follow [Richard] Salisbury's new generic name for 'Nymphaea alba', 'Castalia', after the manner the petals "chastely fold over & cover the organs of impregnation", in "Florae Graecae Prodromus". Smith would prefer it to be after the Castalian fountain of Greek mythology. Salisbury has separated it from 'Nymphaea lutea' as proposed by Smith in "Introduction to Botany". Believes that 'Nymphaea alba' in Dioscorides provides enough evidence for keeping that name and proposes 'Blephara', also from Dioscorides, for the other generic name, and provides characters for each. Observes how curious it is that 'Nymphaea alba' is strictly gynandrous according to the more correct character of 'Gynandria'.

Believes he has quoted Dr [John] Hull [(1761-1843), physician and botanist] more than commending him, he is a "mere compiler". Bishop of Norwich [Henry Bathurst (1744-1837)] gratified to hear of Goodenough's remembrances and is quite recovered, although he lately had a fall at Holkham, [Norfolk, home of Thomas William Coke] after opening the cellar door. Asks Goodenough to frank enclosed letter to Mrs Smith in Liverpool. Amelia Hume's 'Chrysanthemum indicum' in flower. Will send part of his 'Sedum ochroleucum' in a frank for Goodenough to grow.

Replies to Roscoe's letter of 14 October. Asks Roscoe's experience of subscribing to Boydell's "Shakespeare" on behalf of his friend, Mr Ives of Catton, who has just been served a writ for £100._x000D_

Asks Roscoe to send, via his mother, any new or curious specimens of 'Maranta', 'Canna', or other 'Scitamineae'; has dried a large ['Canna'] Roscoe sent [James] Sowerby and also has 'lutea', 'flaccida' and scarlet one figured in [William] Curtis' "Botanical Magazine" but ignorant of the rest. Thanks for Roscoe's comments on "Exotic botany". Would encourge Roscoe to critique Jussieu's system, though not for the Linnean Society which is "wisely shy of professed controversy", but would appreciate it for his own book. First 3000 specimens of Liverpool [Botanic Garden] herbarium ready except for catalogue and packing._x000D_

His work on [Abraham] Rees' "Cyclopedia": writes botanists' biographies and the physiological and most of the systematical botany, but only acknowledges the articles he thinks worth owning. Second part of "Florae Graecae prodromus" nearly printed. Glad Roscoe saw his cousins, the Kindersleys. Laments "poor Rathbone's state".

His autumnal headaches "more troublesome than usual of late". Sending paper by [James Perchard] Tupper on "the possible sensation of plants", "amusing enough, if not sufficiently solid for printing". Defends his decisions regarding his naming genus 'Brodiaea' in spite of [Richard] Salisbury have named same genus 'Hookera', and insists his papers are not attacks; hopes the Linnean Society will always support him "on the side of true Linnaean principles". List of names to receive copy of "Linnean Transactions" vol 9.

Sending this letter with Smith's mother. Committee of Liverpool Botanic Garden has accepted Smith's offer of duplicate Linnaean herbarium. The same Committee also carried his other proposal to send John Bradbury on a botanical exploration of Louisiana and the great branches of the Mississippi for three years; he is to take his two sons of 21 or 22 years old, one to accompany him in his travels and the other to be at a garden in New Orleans cultivating the plants and sending them live to England; asks for Smith's advice to make the most of the opportunity, in return Bradbury will get Smith anything he wants from America. Bradbury leaving in two or three months.

Forwarded Smith's letter to Mrs Smith. Firmly against allowing [Richard] Salisbury to "desecrate the name Castalia" and make it serve for the denomination of a plant inhabiting "foul, stagnating, fetid water" [Castalia was a nymph transformed into a fountain by Apollo]. Additionally objects to it on grounds of being contrary to the rules of analogy and its being a Greek word, thus having nothing to do with Latin etymology. Discusses in detail Dioscorides' nomenclature in reference to Smith's proposed 'Blephara' genus and suggets either 'Nuphar' or 'Madonia'. Suggests correction to Smith's 'Blephara' character. Still receiving invitations to dinner from the Geological Society after repeatedly stating that he cannot join them or any other dining society.

Has been suffering from persistent ailments. Observations on Smith's two species of 'Brodiaea' in [Sir Joseph] Banks' herbarium, compares 'Brodiaea congesta' with work of [Archibald] Menzies and [Richard] Salisbury. Observations on capsules of 'Acrostichum digitatum'. At the request of [Jonas] Dryander arranging his 'Protaceae', with view to publication in "Linnean Transactions", queries Smith on 'Protea' in Linnaeus' herbarium: 'Protea cyanoides', 'Protea phylicoides', 'Protea sphaerocephala', 'Protea racemosa', 'Protea spicata', 'Protea strobilina', 'Protea sencea', 'Protea hirta', and 'Protea obliqua'.

Replies to Smith's letter of 17 November; he is in the same situation as Mr Ives respecting Boydell's Shakespeare; his experience._x000D_

[John] Shepherd [(c 1764-1836, curator Liverpool Botanic Garden] is to supply Smith with specimens of all 'Canna' and 'Marauta' in [Liverpool Botanic] Garden; sends drawings of two 'Canna' and a 'Maranta arundinacea' with dissection of flower, to be returned._x000D_

Linnean Society right to avoid controversy, but the object of his enquiry would be to compare the [Linnaeus and Jussieu] systems and not to detract from their merits. His current interests, including acquisition of new prints and drawings, and perusal of works of Abate [Luigi] Lanzi [(1732-1810, Italian art historian], just returned by [Henry] Fuseli [(1741-1825), painter]. Intends to look at Smith's work for [Abraham] Rees' "Cyclopedia". Sorry to not have become better acquainted with the Kindersleys whilst they were in Lancashire.

Encloses letter from [Thomas] Marsham [extant], informing Smith that [Erik] Acharius' collection of lichens for the Linnean Society is at the Custom House, asks Macleay to obtain it.

[Letter from Thomas Marsham, West India Dock House, Billiter Square, 23 November 1808, to Smith]: Smith's box of dried plants and lichens from Sweden has been at Custom House since last September; instructions for its retrieval.

Intends to open a school for "young gentlemen" at Christmas, encloses card [extant], hopeful of its answering.

At Smith's request informs him of his family's acquaintance with Dr Hurlock, who cured his father "of a sort of cancer in his mouth". Asks if Smith saw the plants Hurlock received from Labrador, which were gathered by his [Turner's] mother, and his mother brought a box of roots when his parents returned to England. Mr Burkard probably the only person in Labrador still gathering plants. Does not remember much of the time he spent in Labrador as a child. Hopes to visit Smith next summer.

Card announcing Turner's school and cost of lessons.

Encloses [James Perchard] Tupper's paper; will send a paper of his own in January or February. Macleay to expect monies from [James] Sowerby for Linnean Society membership dues. Thinks the new "Linnean Transactions" volume "very respectable" in size and content. Thinks 'Apion' a bad name and only 'Apium' spelt wrong, "when Greek words are made Latin they must take Latin terminations".

Sends a plant found by the Marquess of Stafford [George Leveson-Gower (1758-1833)] near Dunrobin Catle, Sutherland, would like Smith's opinion on what it is. Refers to a plan for sowing the fruit of roses, saying it might lead to some "elucidation of the limits of different species". Confirms a 'Polemonium caeruleum' is wild.

Has left specimens from George Don for Smith with [James] Sowerby. Employed Don to plant a shrubbery at his Angus residence, praises his botanical skills. Don accused by his "namesake at Cambridge" [James Donn (1758-1813) curator of Cambridge Botanic Garden] of acquiring from Cambridge his "pretended discoveries" as seeds, including: 'Hypericum barbatum', 'Centaurea intybacea', and 'Lamium dissectum?'; his 'Potentilla opaca' is the 'Potentilla obscura', and doubts 'Galium verrucosum'. Recommends Don's habitats be examined by trustworthy botanist; laments that neither [Dawson] Turner, [William Jackson] Hooker, or [William] Borrer ever went to Forfar during their trips to Scotland.

About to send first 3000 specimens of his herbarium for Liverpool Botanic Garden. Glad to hear of [John] Bradbury's intended expedition [to study botany of Louisiana and the Mississippi]. Thanks [John] Shepherd [(c 1764-1836, curator Liverpool Botanic Garden] for specimens of 'Maranta' and the one seed; it is a difficult genus. George Don has found 'Hypericum barbatum' Jacquin "Florae Austriacae" t259 growing wild in Scotland, it will appear in February's "English botany" along with new 'Scirpus', new 'Potamogeton', and pretty new 'Equisetum'. Pleased to hear of Roscoe's work on Abate [Luigi] Lanzi [(1732-1810, Italian art historian].

Concerned for Rathbone's health. Asks Roscoe's opinion of ninth volume of "Linnean Transactions" and his paper on the vitellus [see RelatedMaterial below]. Comments on the "miserable" news from Spain; hopes the country will not be conquered in its mountains.

Suffering from a sharp attack of gout. Proposes three emendations, in Latin, of Smith's note of observation in "Flora Graeca" on 'Nymphaea' and 'Castalia' in order to check [Richard] Salisbury and give a Classical reason. Thinks that if the Spanish think themselves warriors and fight a pitched battle it will put a quick end to their hopes [Napoleon's invasion of Spain in 1808]. The 'Sedum ochroleucum' Smith sent is growing well.

[Note] "Charles Lyell Esq, Lyndhurst, Hants." at foot of second folio.

The war [between Britain and France] has disrupted their correspondence for two and a half years, sends recent "transactions" of [Swedish] Academy [of Sciences]. Effect of the war on Swedish science: isolated from foreign literature, except for occassional communications from Britain, has seen parts of Smith's "Exotic Botany" and "Flora Graeca" and [Dawson] Turner's "Hist. Fucorum". Only remarkable things produced in Sweden have been the "Swedish Botany and Zoology" [Palmstruch's "Svensk botanik" (1802-1819)?], supervised by himself, and [Johan Peter] Westring's "history of the lichens". Isolated from European colleagues, which has disrupted the planned collaboration between himself and [Daniel Matthias Heinrich] Mohr [(1780-1808)] on a "Synopsis or Historia Muscorum", and [Heinrich Adolph] Scharder's Gottingen printing of [Erik] Acharius' "Lichenographia universalis".

Concern over fate of an "instructif [sic] present" sent to the Linnean Society by Acharius. [Carl Peter] Thunberg and [Adam] Afzelius are living in Uppsala, the latter has written on the Swedish 'Rosa' and put his "African treasures" aside. Report of a "secular celebration of the birthday of a giant man [Linnaeus]", including a eulogy by Dr [Sven Anders] Hedin, one of his former pupils, held in Linnaeus' first school in Wexiö [Växjö], and a grand fete at the Academy of Uppsala. It is the only instance in Sweden of a public honour being given to an individual subject. The museum and auditory were also consecrated, attended by "many thousands" including most of the old "Linnaean disciples" who gave the whole "a most venerable appearance". Eager to see new genus of moss ['Hookeria'] described by Smith.

Hopes Goodenough received package sent via [Charles] Lyell and [James] Sowerby, which included: 'Agrostis arundinacea', 'Carduus polyanthus', new 'Choraphyllum', 'Centaurea intybacea', and 'Urceolaria deamonta'.

Numbered observations on enclosed specimens: 1. 'Carex' like 'C. michellia'; 2. 'Carex' like 'C. flacca'; 3. new 'Carex'; 4. 'Saxifraga' distinct from 'S. hynoides'; 5. new 'Silene' proposed 'S. intermedia'; 6. new 'Silene' proposed 'S. hybrida'; 7. unknown 'Epilobium'; 8. 'Mesea longiseta'; 9. 'Orabus angustifolius'; 10. 'Hieracium' near 'H. alpinum'.

Observations on 'Hieracium ramosum' and 'Epilobium caudifolium'. If he had known what Goodenough said of Sowerby in sufficient time would not have troubled him. Will send 'G. uliginosum' and 'Galium verrocosum' seeds in summer, observation on 'Equisetum'. Asks Goodenough to forward this letter to Dr [James Edward] Smith.

Four plant specimens, including 1, 3 and 8.

Working hard to finish his literary work and constantly writes six sheets a week in preparation for spending the whole of next year visiting in the north. Confident Hafod House will be rebuilt [following a fire] and ready for habitation next September. Has long admired Smith's "bishop" [probably Samuel Goodenough, Bishop of Carlisle] from his speech on the "Catholic question" as it "effectually cuts off any further preferment"._x000D_

Discusses Laing's book, which shocked him. Has been told that "old Rose" is answering Mr Fox's book, he thinks this is a folly. Sorry [Nathaniel Edward] Kindersley did not call on him when travelling through this part of the country. Thanks to [Thomas] Beddoes [(1760-1808), chemist and physician] they are all "vastly well", though Mrs Johnes caught cold at St Paul's, when the "grandest sight" he ever saw of "the Charity Children took place". Beddoes has been exceedingly ill. Reminds Smith of 'Paeonia' seeds of Lady [Amelia] Hume he thought he could acquire.

Satisfied that the toad Smith has encountered is the 'Bufo terrestus' of [August Johann] Rösel [von Rosenhof] and the natterjack of Banks' neighbourhood in Lincolnshire. Describes some of its habits and large population on Putney Common and at Wimbledon. [Thomas] Pennant hated toads so much that "he shrunk even from a picture of one". Would be glad if Mrs Smith continues supplying turkeys. Has received a letter from Nottingham, stating that the ['Grauis'?] on the banks of the Trent are only autumnal flowering because the cattle eat them down in the Spring, and that the true saffron crocus is abundundant in the same place.

Questions for Smith on papers he wrote on New Holland [Australian] plants in ninth volume of "Linnean Transactions". Believes 'Conchium congifolium' is the same as 'Conchium pugioniforme', opinions on 'Conchium sphaeroideum' and 'Conchium compressum'. Believes Smith's 'Gompholobium maculatum', described under 'Gompholobium scabrum', is a distinct species as comprehended under Linnaeus's 'Sophora genistoides'. Believes 'Bossiaea ovata' may be 'Bossiaea heterophylla'. Questions appropriateness of 'Scolopendrium' as a name. Thanks Smith for answers his on 'Protea', his developments, has finished his paper on the subject. Comments on paucity of botanical matters in other journals. Remarks on a paper read by [David] White on the Malabar 'Cardamom' which Brown believes proves it is a distinct genus, at least by [William] Roscoe's principles.