Mild and wet winter but his health good aside from remains of rheumatism. His farm goes on, "like the nation, very flourishing"; financial issues. Anticipating arrival of "Linnean Transactions". Intends to meet [Samuel] Goodenough in London to accelerate their work of examining 'Fucus', will finish his 'Lycoperdon' paper afterwards. Requests return of his paper on 'Fucus [fastigiatus]' and 'F. farcellatus' for revision; requests loan of Linnaean 'F. farcellatus'.

Commissions London lodgings from Smith; his requirements. Intends to wait for an original edition of Leers' "Flora" as the plates in the new edition are badly copied. Discusses Sir John Rous' [1st Earl of Stradbroke (1750-1827), politician] and Lady Rous' interests in botany; John is more practical, forming large plantations with American and other forest trees, he may buy Smith's L'Héritier for his wife. Discusses Smith's forthcoming publications. Discusses specimens or figures of 'Lycoperdon coliforme' and 'Ligusticum cornubiense'; [William] Hudson's statement of knowing its habitat "a piece with the rest of his assertions"; thinks the fire was fortunate for his credit as he could not have always refused a reference to his specimens.

Urges Smith to publish his travel journal, to "convince the world that a botanist can write English intelligibly & that he can give some observations beyond the names & places of growth of plants".

Broke his collarbone and bruised his arm and leg in a stagecoach accident; refused to go to a surgeon and went straight home; making a good recovery; all of the 17 or 18 travellers were injured. Thought of their parting words but does not blame Smith. Smith's "distressing" visit to Sir Joseph Banks' [apoplectic fit and death of Charles Godfrey Woide (1725-1790)].

Encloses certificate nominating [Robert] Stone [(c 1751-1829), botanist] as FLS. [John] Pitchford claims 'Geranium pusillum' is Dillenius' and not Ray's, so Pitchford can consider an error in the plant or engraving as it is not the fault of "Pope Ray"; discusses his own work on 'Geranium' including comparison with Scopoli and [Albrecht von] Haller [(1708-1777)]; convinced old 'Geranium rotundifolium' is Haller and Scopoli's 'G. malvifolium', but the plant exists in herbarium as 'G. pusillum', suggests solution.

His broken collarbone healing well. Gathered 'Fillaea muscosa' for [James] Dickson and will find 'Carex strigosa', 'C. pulicaris', 'C. diocia', and 'Mentha villosa'. Asks Smith to purchase and send the Chinese jar he saw off of Broad Street when last in London, description.

Thanks for Smith's letter of 29 November [1790]. His health good this winter; surprised at the effect of quicksilver, knowing it can only act mechanically, yet it removes any obstruction. Gave up shooting as he believed the violent exercise in hot weather caused stomach spasms.

"Charmed" by first number of "English botany": the paper, print, and execution of the plates "so much superior" to [William] Curtis' "Magazine"; advises [James] Sowerby to avoid "Flora Londinensis" plants for as long as possible. Recommends Sowerby's figure of 'Lycoperdon coliforme' for "Spicilegium botanicum" or "English botany". Discusses his paper on 'Lycoperdon'; rough draft almost finished; nine-tenths will be a response to [Charles] Bryant's [(d 1799)] pamphlet; requests references from Smith, listed. Fear of gout.

Repeats list of references needed for his 'Lycoperdon' paper [Smith has annotated in pencil his responses and remarks].

Requests copies of Smith's "Icones pictae" and "Spicilegium botanicum". Encloses letters from Sir John Rous' [1st Earl of Stradbroke (1750-1827), politician] gardener and a friend at Yoxford, [Suffolk], on 'Cyclamen europaeum' in its apparent wild state.

Sends his paper on 'Lycoperdon' [see RelatedMaterial below]; comments on its composition and contents; all the figures but one copied by [Robert] Stone [(c 1751-1829), botanist] from Schaeffer and Bryant, requests if printed this one is redone by Smith's sister; sends specimens. Thanks for [John] Pitchford's Swiss 'Schoenus ferrugineus'.

Requests English and Latin copies of "Icones pictae", plus "Spicilegium botanicum". Has seen [Richard] Salisbury's publication ["Icones stirpium rariorum.."]; prefers Smith's "Icones", in spite of its "magnificence"; "English botany" well received but thinks the figure of 'Orchis conopsea' badly figured, warns [James] Sowerby to maintain the quality from first number as [William] Curtis is "much complained of for that". Sends 'Tilloa muscosa' for [James] Dickson and will send 'Carex strigosa'.

Encloses just found specimen of 'Lycoperdon fornicatum' specimen, which proves it is a new species.

Pleased his paper on 'Lycoperdon' met with Smith's approval; sent specimens as he is convinced his remarks will stand the test of comparison; asks Smith to correct any errors. Requests copy of "Spicilegium botanicum" for [Robert] Stone [(c 1751-1829), botanist] glad "Icones pictae" has sold so well; eager to see "Linnean Transactions"; last number of "English botany" "excellent", especially the 'Trientalis'.

Has not yet seen Sir Brooke Boothby's [7th baronet, (1744-1824), poet and writer] response to [Edmund] Burke [(1730-1797), politician] but hopes to have it for his book club; Burke's book was a "perfect meteor which blazed for a moment", surprised people could be so led away by a "parcel of high sounding sentences, which when analysed, appeared to have very little meaning". Hopes Smith finds his 'Lycoperdon' specimen from Edinburgh so his note can continue; issues of addressing Smith in his paper. Wishes Smith and [Samuel] Goodenough would settle whether 'Fucus elongatus' Linnaeus is same as 'F. lorens' Hudson. Thought Smith reviewed [John] Berkenhout's [(1726-1791), physician and naturalist] "Manual" in the "Critical [Review]", as the person knew the Linnaean herbarium.

Sending two drawings by [James] Sowerby of 'Lycoperdon coliforme' and an 'Agaric' he is provisionally naming 'A. papillosus', though [Richard] Relhan says he has previously figured it. Details the Bulliard plates he currently owns; wishes L'Héritier's politics would allow him to attend to Smith's correspondence.

Relieved that his intended trip to London has been cancelled. Glad his 'Lycoperdon' paper was well received at the Linnean Society; notes on composition and conditions of publication. Impatient to see "Linnean Transactions" vol 1. Pleased with Smith's "Spicilegium botanicum"; hopes the text will soon follow. Observes that "Spicilegium" and "English botany", by sharing same subject of mistaken or ill-figured scarce English plants, interfere with each other; favours "Spicilegium" but hopes "English botany" will not stop. Hopes that reports of [William] Curtis being almost bankrupt and forced to give up his Brompton garden are untrue.

Appreciates Smith's reasons for not engraving 'Lycoperdon coliforme' but maintains that whilst [James] Dickson's figure is very good [James] Sowerby's is also good enough for a subject; asks Smith to compare figure [of 'Lycoperdon coliforme'] in Batsch. [William] Withering wishes to join the Linnean Society. Convinced review of [John] Berkenhout's [(1726-1791), physician and naturalist] "Manual" in the "Analytical Review" was Smith's. On [Edmund] Burke [(1730-1797), politician]: "what must they be who pin their faith on the reveries of a madman"; rumoured his new book is on the British constitution, doubts it will receive the same enthusiasm as his first book. [Robert] Stone [(c 1751-1829), botanist] was disappointed by his trip to London. Has 50 specimens each of 'Carex strigosa' and 'Cinerania alpina' for [James] Dickson, latter gathered on Gogamog hills near Cambridge [for Dickson's "dried plants"].

Smith's busyness; glad their acquaintance commenced before Smith acquired "the greatest treasure England can boast". Lets Smith decide which genus to rename 'Woodwardia', hopes a 'Dicksonia' will accompany that and 'Davallia'. Anticipating Smith's "Flora Lapponica" and "Icones [pictae]", [James] Dickson's "Fasc[iculus plantarum cryptogamicarum Britanniae]", and [Johann] Schreber's [(1739-1810)] "Genera plantarum". Reports greatly exaggerated of his suffering a severe attack of his disorder shortly after Smith left Norfolk; his symptoms. Hopes [William] Withering is elected to Linnean Society; he and Professor [Thomas] Martyn nominate [Revd Thomas] Zouch, minister of the late Mr Tunstall's parish and highly esteemed by him, and [Revd Charles] Favell; Favell found 'Anagallis foemina' in his parish, will send specimens for [James] Sowerby if desired.

Glad Smith enjoyed the game he sent from [Andrew] Fountaine's, though he has given up shooting; will also send a turkey so Smith can wish them many happy Christmases and prosperous New Years, though it is "out of fashion now". [John] Pitchford has corresponded with [William] Sole on mints, from his letters he seems a "very queer genius"; Sole angry with Smith for having spoken "so slightingly" of [John] Hill's [(1716-1775), botanist] "Vegetable System". Eager to see a good figure of 'Ligusticum cornubiense'.

Thanks for Smith's letter [of 17 February 1792] and parcel containing "Flora Lapponica"; missing sheets. Unsure whether to go on with [James] Dickson's ["Hortus siccus Britannicus"] as it is expensive for duplicates and moderate specimens. Thanks for specimens of 'Iberis amara' and 'Lycoperdon cancellatum', which is definitely the "nidus of insects".

Congratulates Smith on "high honour" of organising the Queen's [Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz (1744-1818)] herbarium but fears the main benefit will be opportunity of consulting [John] Lightfoot's herbarium, as the King [George III (1738-1820)] and Queen are "famous for being satisfied with the honour which their acceptance of obligations confers" and gives example of a friend who gave a Hunter to the King for free.

Alarmed to hear of the Pantheon fire [a theatre near Smith's house] and danger to Smith's health and library; asks if the apothecary whose premises were damaged by falling of the inner walls some days later was [Robert] Batty's. [John] Pitchford passed on letter from [James] Sowerby requesting specimens of fungi; will endeavour to supply him, lists those he could send now.

"Buried" in snow at present. Intends to attend Linnean Society anniversary meeting. They are to petition "all over Suffolk" against the slave trade.

Received Smith's parcel; very pleased with second faciculus [of "Icones pictae"], particularly figures of 'Justicia', 'Tradescantia', 'Oxalis', 'Sisyrinchium', 'Hydrangea', and 'Ligusticum', the "most desirable of the whole", though it will be criticised for not being an "exotic plant" and for lacking any "picturesque charms"; praises Latin and English descriptions and points out errors.

Suspects one of the reviewers of "Linnean Transactions" was Professor [Thomas] Martyn. Further praise of Smith's "Introductory discourse", including from Mr Zouch, who was convinced to become a FLS after hearing it; discusses Smith's writing style. Discusses other reviews of the volume, including one which hopes never to see "new plants introduced, without scientific specific differences annexed"; a "very good" caution to them. An addition for his 'Lycoperdon' paper. Prevented from attending Linnean Society anniversary meeting. Wishes François [Borone] was looking for 'Fucus' specimens during his voyage and on coast of Africa [botanical expedition to Sierra Leone with Adam Afzelius]. Gives various hints and recommendations on gaining advantage from working with the Queen [Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz (1744-1818)] so she does not presume that the honour alone is sufficient payment. Recently acquired Hoffman's ["Historia Salicum iconibus illustrata"]; looks a good work, as does his "Plantae lichenosae".

Confirms he will not be attending Linnean Society anniversary meeting. [Robert] Stone [(c 1751-1829), botanist] severely ill with gout in his stomach but now recovered; he had thought of quitting the Linnean Society but now does not. Recommends [David Elisha] Davy of Yoxford, [Suffolk], who is to visit London, "a very diligent young botanist" who intends to join the Linnean Society once he knows more of the science.

Alarmed to hear that Smith is in Matlock for his health; asks after it another work he had due out. His opinion of "Flora Lapponica". Sir Thomas Cullum received legacy of £5000 from his brother-in-law, Mr Palmer, making him much more comfortable; recipients of the remainder.

'Ophrys anthropophora' and 'O. nidus-avis' recently found in abundance near Bury, [Suffolk], and 'Ornithogalum pyrenaicum' wild near Yoxford, Suffolk. Asks Smith's opinion of Hoffmann's "Plantae lichenosae" and "Salices" [see RelatedMaterial below]. His account with Smith.

Pleased to hear of Smith's recovery; hopes he enjoys a leisurely stay in Norwich, [Norfolk]; believes the solitariness and bad weather on his first arrival in Matlock brought on attack on his lungs. Bad summer in Suffolk, with a short crop that is causing talk of extravagant prices in the winter. Knows Cromford Moor well but unaware of lichens the last time he was there. Struggled to find fly orchids this year but there are luxuriant bee orchids.

Admired Dr [Erasmus] Darwin's last publication of his "elegant poem", further opinions; visited him in 1781; he and Sir Brooke Boothby [7th baronet, (1744-1824), poet and writer] will be "capital additions" to Linnean Society. Favell mutually pleased with Smith. Has specimen of 'Ornithogalum' for Smith but it does not appear to be 'O. pyrenaicum' or 'O. umbellatum'. Encloses single flower from plant in Sir John Rous' [1st Earl of Stradbroke (1750-1827), politician] garden grown from East India seed, labelled 'Abrus' but evidentally a mistake; observations.

Asks if White has the letterpress to Bulliard's "Histoire des champignons"; has still not received the remaining plates from L'Héritier. Understands Smith is to return to Frogmore to continue work on [John] Lightfoot's herbarium, now the Queen's [Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz (1744-1818)].

Received castor oil on same day as Smith's letter [of 31 October 1792]. Hopes Smith has found a way of "decently conveying" his zoology lectures to the Queen's [Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz (1744-1818)] and Princesses without having "shocked their delicacy". Asks whether his short paper on 'Fucus dasyphyllus' has been read at Linnean Society and whether it will be added to his other two species in "Linnean Transactions" vol 2.

[Samuel] Goodenough is ill with rheumatism or rheumatic gout, they both want to know what the 'Fucus palmotta' Smith received from Sir Thomas Frankland is; asks Smith to compare Linnaean herbarium specimens of 'Fucus foeniculaceus', 'F. abrotanifolius', and 'F. furcellatus' against Gmelin's and [William] Hudson's 'F. concatenatus', and 'F. rotundus'. Reminds Smith of his promise to look over his Scottish plants for 'Fucus inflatus' and 'F. furcellatus' for Goodenough.

Certificate signed by himself and Sir Thomas Cullum nominating [William] Mathew, of Bury, [Suffolk], who has sent rare plants to [James] Sowerby. Approves of enlargement of "English botany"; prefers 6 plates at 2s 6d to 3 at 1s, it will increase sales. Wishes he could get specimens of [James] Dickson's "curious" Scottish plants; wishes 'Linnaea borealis' could be found, as although it grows in "curious gardens" the name is a "most desirable addition to the British flora".

Hopes Smith will be rewarded for his lectures at Frogmore [to the Queen and Princesses], as he has "empty praise enough from the literary world". Leaves the setting of 'Woodwardia' entirely to Smith, though worries Smith will be censured for bestowing more honour than his botanical labours deserve.

Discusses 'Fucus abrotanifolius' and the various specimens of it, in detail. Obstructions of certain people in bookseller chain regarding increase of price of "English botany". [Edward] Donovan's [(1768-1837), natural historian] book on insects "very neat", but unsure of its worth as its main authority is [John] Berkenhout [(1726-1791), physician and naturalist], "a very suspicious authority".

Asks after new numbers of "Icones pictae" and "Spicilegium botanicum". Approves of enlarged "English botany" [from 3 to 6 plates per number], thinks it will increase sales amongst botanists though the number ordered for Bungay has fallen from 5 to 2, previously bought "as pretty pictures".

Expects to hear from [Samuel] Goodenough on 'Fucus palmetta' following his examination of the Linnaean and Sir Thomas Frankland's specimens, asks Smith's opinion of the Cromer 'Fucus' resembling 'F. furcellatus' and Gmelin's 'F. rotundus'. [William] Withering at Lisbon; he had been extremely ill with pulmonary complaints but recovered; happy to hear Smith has approved Withering's 'Agaric' species but the 'Fucus' are a bad copy of [William] Hudson's and thinks Velley should have helped him better.

Discusses origin of turkeys in Europe. Unable to find verse version of the "City & Country Mouse" story. Warns Smith not to fall in love with Princess Elizabeth [(1770-1840), daughter of George III]; rumoured that Dr J Willis did and thought it reciprocal; finds it odd that she, who is "least handsome", has been "most admired"; rumoured that Smith's sister was offered Miss [Fanny] Burney's [(1752-1840), novelist and Second Keeper of the Robes to the Queen] place but refused it. Asks how Smith is to publish his ferns.

Thanks for Bulliard's plates ["Histoire des champignons"]; comments on contents, including 'Clathus cancellatus' and 'Lycoperdon stellatum', which resembles his 'L. recolligens'. His fears that the "present horrible state of France would have put all literature out of the question" have not been realised. Wishes to know L'Héritier's role as a politician, believes he initially took an active part. Shocked by "murder of poor Louis" [Louis XVI (1774-1792), King of France], though it is a mercy for him considering his "uncertain situation". Sees no point in going to war and believes the country is averse to it, regardless of what ministers say.

Unable to provide Miss [Sarah Sophia] Banks [(1744-1818)] with Bungay tradesmen's halfpence as they were not produced on account of high cost. Thanks for lichen and 'Convallaria verticillata' specimens; has Smith's specimen of 'Pyrola uniflora' from Mount Cenis. Hopes to see Miss Lane's drawing of Smith at the exhibition in town; admires her drawing of Smith's eldest sister. Discusses further issues of Bulliard's plates, longs to see L'Héritier's "Geranium".

Requests Smith to add note to his account of 'Lycoperdon recolligens' [from paper on 'Lycoperdon'] to take in information from Bulliard. Does not expect to be at expense for the "Zoology & Botany of New Holland".

[Letter incomplete: lower half of second folio cropped, text immediately following interruption suggests this was the note on 'Lycoperdon recolligens']

Details of his journey and pending visit to London. Expects [Charles] Bryant [(d 1799)] to be "very angry" on reading his paper [on 'Lycoperdons'], expects an attack in the "Gentleman's Magazine". Saw the attack on Smith's 'Geranium lucidum' of "English botany" in "Gentleman's Magazine"; unsure who the author is and attempts to apologise for him. Approves of "English botany" including cryptogams but warns against figuring too many for fear of "disgusting the florists & the ladies". Hopes to send [James] Sowerby 'Cineraria palustris' and others from Yarmouth; doubts whether the drawing of 'Agaric' is the 'Clypeolarias' of Bulliard, as [William] Withering refers to it. Visits from Sir John Rous [1st Earl of Stradbroke (1750-1827), politician] who grows exotic trees in his plantations, does not study them scientifically but knows their names in "Hortus Kewensis".