Requests specimen of foliage of 'Ulmus campestris', following Benjamin [Meggot Forster's] sending him Dutch elm, believes may be Willdenow's 'Ulmus suberosa' and remarks that Smith's 'Ulmus suberosa' and 'Ulmus gabra' are often the same. Asks to delay publication of the 'Scrophularia' he sent [James] Sowerby as it was not wild, intends to send new specimen. Asks for specimen of 'Salix glauca'. Postscript that Lord Moira believes it impossible for the Prince Regent to be anything but a patron.

Encloses a moss he takes to be 'Dicranum strumiferum' of "Flora Britannica" [determined by Smith as 'Bartamia fontana'].

Observations on Smith's remarks on 'Hypericum calycinum' in "English botany" and "Linnean Transactions"; does not think it ought to be considered indigenous; reminds Smith of the instance some years ago when it was thought 'Acorus grammineus' had been found growing wild, later found to be false.

[Spec 28 written in pencil at head of folio]

Account of recent travels: visited May Island in the Firth of Forth and Bell Rock Lighthouse [built 1807-1810], "our Scottish Eddystone" [Eddystone Lighthouse, off coast of Devon], and a botanical excursion in Perthshire with James Brown who showed him 'Linnaea borealis'. Observations on specimens of heather sent to Smith, asks if one is 'Andromeda coerulea'. Received 'Epimedium alpinum' from Inverness with "mica about the roots", proof that it is indigenous.

Account of a tour of the Hebrides last summer: sailed round the north of Scotland to the Giants Causeway in Ireland in a month with Dr Barlcay, Mr Oliphant, and [Robert] Stevenson [(1772-1850)], engineer of Bell Rock lighthouse. Encountered nothing notable except in mineralogy, plants included: 'Sison verticillatum', 'Hypericum androsaemum', 'Cotyledon umbilicus', and 'Lythrum salicaria'. Observations on rocks, a bay in Antrim superior to Giants Causeway, the rocks hung with 'Asplenium marinum'. Lewis Isles "sterility itself". A bed of 'Serpentine' on Glass Island, the lighthouse keeper aware of excellency of 'Agrostis alba' as winter feed for his cow but unaware of fiorin grass. Saw Macalister's Cave in Skye with 'Rhodelia rosea' and 'Scolopendrum vulgare' and pretty but "ungrand "stalactites. At Orkney [William Jackson] Hooker and [William] Borrer were asked after by the inhabitants. At Aberdeen intended to see [James] Beattie but arrived just in time for his funeral.

Mr Macnab from Kew "doing wonders" at Edinburgh Botanic Garden but frustrated by lack of funds, the 'Dracaena draco' is to cut over in the autumn unless £40-£50 is found to raise its glass roof so it can survive the winter, wishes the Prince Regent was aware of the situation.

Hopes Smith is better, all in London were surprised to see one so "abstemious" suffering from fever; recalls Mrs Delaney, companion of the old Duchess of Portland, dying of one at 93. The 'Sedum ochroleucum' Smith sent is in good health but of the two carnations only the straw-coloured one produced flowers and the "piquote" one died. Compliments Smith on his handling of engaging the Prince Regent as patron of the Linnean Society; thinks there will be no impediments to Bishop of Durham [Shute Barrington] now becoming an honorary member. Hopes Smith's friend [William Fitt] Drake will succeed [in his training for the clergy], and that he will think for himself. Carlisle botanists disappointed Smith is not visiting this year; one of them, Mr Holme of Peterhouse, finds good things. Has given one of his vacant prebends to his second son, Robert, who has married Miss Markdam, and has also preferred several other family members.

Happy to hear of Smith's health, hope he can keep in advance of [Abraham] Rees' "amazing rate" [for "Cyclopedia"]. Declines undertaking publication of "Correspondence of Linnaeus" for present on account of unfavourable times, does not expect Smith would find success with another publisher. Editorial advice should Smith proceed with publication.

Received roots and specimens of Smith's Norfolk elm, which he thinks comes closer to 'glabra'; can get naturalised Dutch elm for "English botany". Believes Lord Moira [Francis Edward Rawdon-Hastings, 1st Marquess of Hastings (1754-1826)] will not be troublesome concerning the Prince Regent, as he has already agreed to become Linnean Society patron. Benjamin [Forster] adamant that he did not criticise "Flora Britannica"; only lamented delay of fourth volume.

Has been staying at Sir Richard Hoare's, along with Bishop of Salisbury [John Fisher (1748-1825)], his wife, and [John] Constable [(1776-1837) painter], who is patronised by the Bishop and is making views of the area; he is "well acquainted" with Smith having dined at his house in Norwich. Persuaded Bishop to become a FLS. Enquires whether Smith has given up his genus of 'Duchesnea'.

Franked Smith's letter to [Walter] Wade. Amused by Smith's letter stating he is teaching [William Fitt] Drake religion [he had begun training for the clergy], presumes he does not mean Divinity. Debates atonement and "vicarious punishment" as defined by Smith's Unitarian faith and his own. Counsels Smith not to advise Drake and compares the religion of a citizen and of a clergyman.

Sends by [James Townsend] Mackay [(1775-1862), curator of Botanic Garden, Trinity College, Dublin] of Dublin 'Arenaria Cherlerifolia' from Ben Lawers, 'Triticum alpinum', a common 'Myostis' from the Clova Mountains, and a 'Centaurea' found by Mr Young at Bellmount Castle. Discovered 'Chorophyllum aromaticum' in a wild state about seven miles from Forfar and 'Iris xipheum' in Marsh of Logie.

Obtained a 'Melaleuca caurina' from the Fonthill Sale [home of William Beckford (1760-1844)]. Has enjoyed the "Lapland Tour" ["Lachesis Lapponica"]. Lists publications recently acquired from Paris including: "Annals du Museum d'Histoire Naturelle"; [Kurt] Sprengel's "Philiosophia Botanica"and "Historia Rei Herbaria"; [Aubert Aubert Du] Petit-Thouars' "Essais Sur La Vegetation"; [Christiaan Hendrik] Persoon's "Synopsis plantarum"; [Andre] Michaux's [(1746-1802)] "Histoiredes arbres forestiers de l'Amerique Septentrionale"; [Tussac's] "Flore des Antilles" containing 'Alstroemeria edulis'; three new numbers of [Alexander von] Humboldt's [from his voyage to South America] containing 'Bonplandia trifoliata' and 'Mikania guaco'.

He and Mr [Hugh] Davies identify same plant for [William] Hudson's 'C. nigra'. Has not heard of Mr Di in London. Smith's 'Glaucium fulvum' still in flower and some plants from last year's seed have yellow petals, it is a very hardy plant easily raised and transplanted, "a very desireable acquisition". Last autumn received seeds of a "green fleshed melon from Egypt" from Archbishop of York [Edward Venables-Vernon-Harcourt (1757-1847)] but it has not successfully cropped yet, though at Bishopthorpe [Palace, near York,]"they are considered as superior to all others" with a very rind thin and a green coloured transparent flesh, bears no comparison to the orange cantalope. Received 'Nuphar minima' seeds from [James] Brodie which he will sow "properly sunk, in some pool".

Suffered more "perspirations and fatigue" this shooting season than in any other. Sir Stephen [8th Baronet (1780-1815)] and Lady [Mary] Glynne visited recently. His brother quartered at Brighton, [Sussex]. Received haunch of buck venison from [Alexander Gordon, 4th] Duke of Gordon [(1743-1827)], his stag venison not good but [John Murray, 4th] Duke of Atholl's [(1755-1830)] "said to be often excellent".

Asks if and when his paper on ivy is to appear in print. Asks for information on Linnaeus' arrangement of flowers to show the time of day, for a friend.

Introduces Mr Patterson of Philadelphia, Pennsylvannia, and asks for him to be introduced to the "scientific charcters of England". Asks to be remembered to his friends, particularly [Richard] Salisbury. Leaving for Philadelphia in a few weeks.

Comments on plans for establishment of botanic garden in Norwich and assures Smith that establishment of such a place is achievable on almost any scale; explains Liverpool Botanic Garden financing and costs. A garden is also being established at Hull; believes that "the union of science & pleasure which these institutions afford to the inhabitants of large towns" will lead to their being generally adopted. Congratulates Smith's mother, happy to hear of [William Fitt] Drake's good fortune. His son James just returned from tour of Scotland.

Returning to Sciliy. Asks Smith to give an opinion on debate between Arrosio and [Antonio] Bivona [Bernardi]. Reminisces on his time in London, including visits to Linnean Society with Humphry Davy in attendance, and human anatomy with Bell and Wilson. Smith replied 23 [Nov 1811].

Glad genus 'Lamium' he sent was better than he expected, looks forward to seeing it in [Abraham] Rees' "Cyclopedia". Visited Cassiobury Park, Hertfordshire, home of Lord Essex [George Capel-Coningsby, 5th Earl of Essex (1757-1839)], guests included the Duchess of Leeds, Lady de Clifford the younger, Lady Monson, Lords of Ross and Jersey, and Lord Erskine. Nominated as auditor of Royal Society accounts alongside Sir Joseph Banks, Lord Valentia [George Annesley], and Sam Davis, India director. Praises work of Sello [presumably Lambert's assistant], intimate friend and pupil of [Carl Ludwig] Willdenow, he went through herbarium of [Alexander von] Humboldt and [Aimé] Bonpland. Given Lady Staunton's [Jane Staunton (1753-1823) wife of Sir George Leonard Staunton, 1st baronet (1737-1801)] China collection, "the greatest collection except Pallas" he ever received, will send Smith duplicates. Requests specimen of 'Lathyrus amphicarpos'. [Richard] Salisbury working on 'Erica'. Will send Smith all of [Peter] Collinson's [(1694-1768)] papers when Banks has finished with them, [Robert] Brown thinks them curious.

Arrived back in London. Thanks for "Lachesis Lapponica". Sir Joseph Banks taking him to the [Royal Society] anniversary dinner. Antiquarian Society in uproar; Sir [Henry] Englefield [7th baronet (1752-1822)] "pants" for the Chair but his Popish connection has raised a powerful opponent in Lord Aberdeen [George Hamilton-Gordon, 4th Earl of Aberdeen (1784-1860)], who has carried ninety-two votes to three.

His health much better but his "perfect recovery will require much time". Pleased to hear of Smith's recovery from his "very severe" summer illness.

Linnean Society continues to get many candidates for admission but few papers; requests a paper for next meeting. [William] Smith and [Charles Sinclair] Cullen elected FLS; [Thomas Thynne, 2nd] Marquess of Bath [(1765-1837)] and Bishop of Salisbury [John Fisher (1748-1838)] now both candidates. Informed by [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert some time ago that the Prince [Regent, later George IV (1762-1830)] was to become the Society's royal patron, has not heard anything since. Asks if [William George] Maton has written to Smith on proposed Linnean Dining Club; some "not very friendly to the plan" but he likes it much.

Proposes formation of a "Linnean Club" from among the "more zealous and respectable members" of the Society, with 15 to 20 members. [Alexander] Macleay, Bishop of Carlisle [Samuel Goodenough], and [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert all approve; its intentions.

Thanks for basket of game. Assures Smith he did not mean to suggest Smith was trying to influence [William Fitt Drake] with his own religious persuasions, and looks upon "any conscientious dissenter as being as good & as religious as any churchman whatsoever".

Will join the Linnean Dining Club, proposed by [William George] Maton, [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert and Mr Baker, if it is a "frugal literary dinner, where eating is not the primary object". Fears the plans for it are moving too fast; could not attend a meeting on subject held at the British Coffee House and attended by Maton, [George] Shaw [(1751-1813)], [Joseph] Sabine, and [William] Pilkington [(1758-1848)] as it would be "out of character". Enjoying reading "Lachesis Lapponica" and the greater maturity of Linnaeus' writing compared to his earlier "Systema".