Visited his childhood home in Berkshire whilst staying with Mr C Dundas. Raw weather [at Thirkleby] but crops are forward and hay making is already underway and a good crop of backward grapes under glass, though there are no apples and hardly any pears, peaches, or nectarines compared to usual. Discusses strawberries: plans to raise them from seed; wrote to Dundas for some "fine hautboys" which he plans to alternate with pines, "as recommended by the French", though he has failed in the past with hautboys. His fruit trees showing symptoms of age not only for themselves "but my Scotch gardener".

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The Prince Regent has agreed to become patron of the Linnean Society; an official letter will follow.

Sorry to hear that Smith is indisposed, especially as it means delaying the visit to Rose Castle. Smith should not be vexed by the bad review in the "Anti-Jacobin".

Encloses a copy of his book "The botanist". Has endeavoured to popularise Linnaeus and botany in America. Relates the difficulties, as first lecturer in natural history in America, of preparing natural history lectures for persons who may not have ever seen any books on the subjects, and justifies the popular tone and inclusion of female botanists. Hopes to be able to send botanical and entomological paintings executed by women. Asks for Smith's critical opinion of his book.

Numbered observations on enclosed specimens: a 'Triticum' first found in 1793 on Ben Lawers, and never encountered again until 1810, proposes name 'T. alpinum', very rare but now established in his garden; 2. leaf of 'Iris xiphium', thinks it indigenous; 3. leaves of an 'Alchemilla' larger than 'A. alpina'; 4. leaves of an 'Anthyllis' different from 'A. vulneraria' and the coastal 'Anthyllis'. Asks Goodenough to forward this letter to Dr [James Edward] Smith.