Encloses continuation of his paper, Macleay to expect more and paper from [William Jackson] Hooker for 21 November [1809]. Wishes [Robert] Brown would change name of his genus 'Josephia', named after Sir Joseph Banks, "it is not only against all rule, but in itself so foolish it must expose us to ridicule as well as blame", proposes 'Brunonia'.

Received Smith's letter of September 1809, along with a letter from Olof Swartz the only communications from his European correspondents. Enjoyed Smith's "Flora Britannica". Thanks for Smith's observations on his plants numbered 708 to 803, responds with list of queries on his previously sent numbered specimens. Will send new packet of plants via Liverpool.

About to leave for London. Saddened by the death of his "most steady friend & counsellor & patron", the Duke of Portland [William Henry Cavendish-Bentinck, 3rd Duke of Portland (1738-1809)].

Busy with live and [Peter Simon] Pallas' dried specimens of 'Astragali', including all of the species featured in Pallas' book on the genus, some include notes from Gmelin's herbarium. Has received large box of lemongrass in flower from [James Webbe] Tobin [(d 1814)] of Nevis, long "a desideratum among all of us". Believes it is 'Andropogon nardus' Linn. and the true 'Spikenard' of the ancients. [Richard] Salisbury's publication of his work on 'Protecea' is in "such direct opposition to Soho Square" [home of Sir Joseph Banks], as well as to the Linnean Society that it is regarded as "infamous". Discusses Linnean Society news and nominates the Marquess of Bath [Thomas Thynne, 2nd Marquess of Bath (1765-1837)] as new Honorary Member, says Lord Bath pointed out the differences between the two 'Mespilus'. Has specimens of the two 'Aegiphyla' for Smith, which were discussed by [Jonas] Dryander and [Charles] Konig. [William George] Maton has been with the Queen [Charlotte (1744-1818), wife of George III] again and Mr Hausman is making a catalogue of her herbarium.

Royal Institution would like Smith to give a course of twelve lectures on the "Philosophy of Natural History" for 60 guineas.

Thanks for second volume "Florae Graecae Prodromus"; discusses etymology of Delphi therein. Sir Joseph Bank's gout and [Thomas] Marsham's absence in Warwickshire viewing an estate allowed him to sit in the chair at the Council and at the Royal Society meeting where a paper on hydrogen and oxygen by [Humphry] Davy was read. There are reports that Lord Wellesley is to join the Ministry [Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington (1769-1852)] and people seem confident a great naval victory has been achieved.

Had intended not to ignore winter weather during his tour of Scotland but forced to stay several days with [James] Brodie due to heavy snow and to go to the coast instead of further inland. Smith praised by the botanists he meets. Brief itinerary of places he has visited: Mull, Staffa, Skye, Sutherland, Caithness. Death of "J G".

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