Sending plants collected during 3 month excursion with [George] Bentham in summer of 1825 to eastern and high Pyrenees; Bentham has published catalogue of the flora of Pyrenees. Plants sent include: 'Lithospermum oleifolium'; 'Vicia argentea'; 'Seseli montanum'; asks if 'Cynoglossum sylvaticum' of England is same as that of Hancke; asks the true character between 'Sideritis hyssopifolia' and 'Sideritis scordioides'; 'Veronica fruticulosa'; after observations fears 'Ajuga alpina', 'A. geneventis', and 'A. pyramidalis' form one species; 'Orobanche pruinosa'; at Strasbourg determined that 'Potamogeton cuspidatum' gathered near Forfar is identical with 'P. zosterifolius' Schum; observations on all. Smith may find it useful to have the French synonyms for British species; he would have found it useful to have references given to DeCandolle's works in determining Pyrenee plants.

Thanks for turkey. The Duke of York in "the last stage of a hopeless case" [Prince Frederick (1763-1827), died 5 January 1827 of dropsy and apparent cardio-vascular disease]. Dares not mention the name he alluded to as the matter is not followed up, but it begins with an "H" [presumably the scandal involving a member of the Athenaeum mentioned in Goodenough's previous letter].

Will do all he can to satisfy Smith with Cape 'Orchideae'. Has a young artist to make painting from live specimens, sending figure of 'Disperis villosa' [extant]. Believes a "very splendid" work could be made from having a painting of every Cape species in full flower, with Smith being sent dried specimens to provide full descriptions from; difficulty of transporting live plants back to England.

Has sent promised papers to Sir Everard Home [(1756-1832), physician] describing new species each of 'Hyaena' and 'Hyrax'; observations on gland secretions of former; hopes Home will send them to Linnean Society and that they will be published in "Linnean Transactions". It is his ambition to produce a good work on zoology of South Africa. Many collectors currently here: 3 from Prussia, 3 from France, and 6 from other European countries. Lists some of the curiosities of his portfolio; he is particularly interested in snakes. Mode natural history is now studied makes it easier to notice habits of animals for classification.

Watercolour of 'Disperis villosa'.

Encloses a paper on Junius [pseudonym of an unknown 18th century letter writer]. Has been collecting information about Dr Samuel Parr, enquires whether Smith or any friends of his have any letters from him or information about him they can share for a memoir to be written by Dr John Johnstone. Barker's index to the "Greek Thesaurus" is far advanced. Mr Bowring has informed him that Jeremy Bentham intends to give him a memoir of Mr Lind, "author of the letters on Poland", for use in his book which is nearly finished.

Found 'Salix tetrapla' mentioned in [John] Walker's [(1731-1803), professor of natural history, Edinburgh] "Essays [on Natural History and Rural Economy" (1812)]; transcribes relevant sections [extant, on separate folio].

Following Smith's promise of assistance in procuring plants for his just established Salicetum, sends list 'Salix' already in his collection and requests that Smith procure cuttings of any 'Salix' species wanting.

Sending the remaining papers on Junius [pseudonym of an unknown 18th century letter writer], except the first paper addressed to Charles Butler in which he proved the non-identity of Sir Philip Francis as Junius. Godfrey Higgins will deliver his papers to Lady Francis who he thinks will maintain the claims of her husband. Asks Smith to send him any anonymous compositions of Sir Francis not generally recognised as his should he have any. Believes the memoirs of Sir Francis were written by himself. Has had correspondence with Dr William Thornton of Washington, USA, a ward of [John Coakley] Lettsom. Professor Scholefield intends to give Greek lectures. Remarks on Monk's conduct towards Smith. Pleased that Smith is near completion of 4th volume of "English Flora". Papers on Junius very well received but only privately distributed.

The severe winter confined him to home. Dissuades Smith from undertaking a cryptogamic flora after conclusion his present work ["English Flora"] on account of the enormous extent, minuteness of research, and Smith's bad eye-sight; believes such a work unworthy of Smith's station and talents.

Unable to finish his description of 'Amomum melegueta' despite use of Smith's observations and article on 'Melegueta' in "Cyclopedia"; will wait for Smith to see his observations and drawing, with Mr Graves, the colourer, at Peckham, [Surrey]. Included 'Cardamom' plant and 'Renealmia/Alpinia exaltata' in his genus 'Matonia'; defends the latter with references to Smith's "Cyclopedia" article, [William] Roxburgh's "Plants of the Coast of Coromandel", and White's "Linnean Transactions" vol 10 paper ['A Botanical Description and Natural History of the Malabar Cardamom']. Disappointed to not join the Smiths at Holkham, [Norfolk, home of Thomas William Coke].

No summary available.

Saw Sir Thomas Cullum, who will not be at Bury, [Suffolk], when Smith intends to visit, so recommends that Smith come to them. Agrees with Smith on 'Salix' except for Smith not adopting 'S. borreriana'. Linnean Society elected 10 FMLS last night, [Aimé] Bonpland [(1773-1858), botanist] and Sayr were excluded. Alternative arrangements should Hale End be too far for reaching London.

[Letter incomplete: address label removed, obscuring text on verso of second folio]

Thanks Smith for showing his book "Amoenitates Italicae" to the Linnean Society. Sending another of his publications, "Praelectiones rei herbariae quae et prolegomena ad floram Italicam" via Professor Amici of Modena. Praise of Smith's "English Flora" and "Flora Graeca" as giving the "best direction" for his own work. Thanks for election as FMLS. Would appreciate advice on 'Scabiosa gramontia' and 'Scabiosa columbaria', referring Smith to pages from "Amoenitates Italicae" and adds a clarification of his classification . Offers to send any Italian plants Smith may require.

Laments that his "life has long been a heavy burthen". Encloses his "first step" towards a herbarium. Never heard whether [Thomas] Rackett received his letter on red viper or whether it was read at Linnean Society.

Encloses an arrangement of the species and varieties of 'Salix' compiled by his late gardener [George] Sinclair and asks Smith's opinion prior to Smith examining his collection at Woburn Abbey. Offers to accompany Smith from London to Woburn Abbey.

Attended two Linnean Society meetings with [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert in chair. Attended Horticultural Society anniversary meeting but few members attended as they were electing new officers; a breakfast and general display of flowers and fruit is being held at Chiswick on 30th June. Davies Gilbert in chair at Royal Society meeting last night, after the readings they now retire to the library for tea and to view specimens of nature or art laid on a table. Bishop of Carlisle [Samuel Goodenough] at Linnean Club at Thatched House Tavern, alarmed by how ill he looks.

Cannot attend next week's Linnean Society anniversary meeting owing to illness and prior committment to attend two Episcopal meetings. Has not seen anything of Sir T[homas] Cullum or [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert. Fears he will not be able to go to Rose Castle this year, and Mrs Goodenough is exceedingly ill.

[Note by Pleasance Smith] last letter Goodenough sent to Smith before dying in Worthing, [Sussex], on 12 August 1827, buried in the North Cloister of Westminster Abbey close to his friend Dr [William] Markham, Archbishop of York [(1719-1807)]

[Letter possibly incomplete: address label is on a separate piece of paper, text of the letter appears extant]

Sends this via his niece, Elizabeth Daulby, who is giving evidence on Miss Turner's bill in the House of Lords [annulment of marriage between Ellen Turner and E G Wakefield]. Also sends specimens of flower and fruit of 'Amomum Melegueta' preserved in spirits and his accounts of 'Matonia' and 'Amomum' for Smith's opinion; has asked Mr Graves to show Smith the figures of 'Matonia renealmia' and 'Amomum melegueta' [for Roscoe's "Monandrian Plants"].

Informed by Mr Martin [Smith's brother-in-law] that his son, Frederick, has secured his degree and is likely to become tutor to Lord Lindsay and his brother, heirs of the Ancaster family; hopes this will alleviate some of the Martin family's misfortunes. Concedes to Smith's opinions regarding a cryptogamic volume following ["English Flora"].

His friend and partner, [Thomas] Leyland [(? 1752-1827), merchant and banker], died last Sunday, leaving a rumoured £1,500,000. Broods on his increasing physical and mental debilities and recent deaths of his only sister, most of his old companions, his son Robert's only son, and daughter Levon's daughter. Sends copy of American book just received.

Appoints Bishop of Carlisle [Samuel Goodenough], [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert, [William George] Maton, and [Edward Smith-]Stanley as Vice-Presidents of the Linnean Society.

Sorry to hear of Smith's illness. Asks that when Smith is at his friend Mr Forster's [probably Edward Forster] to compare his collection of willows against the Woburn catalogue. Invites Smith visit Woburn [Abbey, Bedfordshire] whilst he is in London. Pleased to hear that Smith is going to sit to "that admirable artist", [Francis Leggatt] Chantrey [(1781-1841), sculptor] for his bust.

Arrangements for Smith's approaching visit.

Sorry to hear of cause of Smith's detention in the country. [Edward] Forster had invited [George] Sinclair to see his collection of willows; sorry Smith will not be able to see him but will ensure specimens are sent to Smith.