Condolences on death of Mr Reeve. His botanical work ["Mondandrian Plants"] drawing to conclusion, 12 numbers of expected 15 or 16 published; satisfied with its reception but wishes he had published a larger number. Pleased Smith approves the generic character of 'Matonia', it is nearest allied to 'Roscoea'. Convinced that the 'Cardamom' plant of the east and the 'Renealmia' plant of the west are of the same genus and suggests 'Matonia' for them.

Regrets the only two plants he has not obtained living flowers of are 'Costus speciosus' and 'Alpinia malaccensis', though he has introduced the latter to the [Liverpool] Botanic Garden and area; asks permission to republish Smith's figure of 'C. speciosus'. His acknowledgments for 'Roscoea' will appear with the account of the genus when the work is bound.