Lord Stafford [George Leveson-Gower (1758-1833)] will give Smith a ticket to see the pictures. Chases up Smith's opinion on a species of 'Carex' he sent some years ago. Deficient in figures of fungi, complains that [James] Sowerby has taken no notice of many species including ones distinct from Sowerby's found by Butt at Arley, Worcestershire. In a "wretched country" for botanising, having seen no rare plants except the 'Andromeda' and the three 'Droseras' which grow near Whitmore, Staffordshire. 'Epilobium angustifolium' gathered wild on the banks of Windermere, Cumberland, is growing in a garden, although Butt thinks it is closer to 'Epilobium angustissimum', offers to send specimens. Lord Valentia [George Annesley] printing his work in London.

Has had a sharp fit of gout in his right hand. Hopes Smith liked his last alterations [probably to Smith's Latin]. Sees that Smith has "pacified [George] Don at once, he appears to be a most valuable correspondent", disusses Don's 'Carex' specimens. Hopes to be in London by 10 January [1809].