Sent twelve species of Ehrhart and Hoffman's 'Salix'; rarities from the Pyrenees received from [Friedrich] Stromeyer; and a 'Drosera lusitanica' L from Portugal, sent in return for the 'Drosera dichotoma' Smith gave him. Stromeyer focusing his botanic studies on the "geography of vegetables". His own study is "anomalous formations" in vegetables. Thanks for specimens of New Holland [Australian] plants, requests more, lists the plants he has already received. News of botanists: [Christiaan Hendrik] Persoon is in Paris and [Heinrich Adolph] Schrader made professor extraordinary at Göttingen University in addition to director of the Botanic Garden after the regency became displeased with Hoffmann's management.

Rejoices at prospect of Smith visiting Oxford, will arrange lodgings for Smith and his friend, directions on their arrival. Requests catalogue of Fordyce's collection from King's auction room, Covent Garden, [London].

[Spec 30 written in pencil at head of folio]

Looking forward to Smith's visit but asks that he comes without his pupil as "a stranger is always a distressing restraint" upon her and would prevent her talking at her ease with Smith, who she has not seen for a long time.

Describes the pleasure she receives from her long friendship with the Smiths. Discussion of their friends. Has lately been reading Cowper, describes her feelings respecting him and Calvinism.

A disagreement at Oxford involving Dr [George] Williams and a new professorship [possibly the Aldrichian chair of anatomy and physiology, founded 1803]. It is opposed by his son, [Edmund Goodenough (1785-1845), headmaster and dean of Wells], but he has written to him pledging his own support for Williams. Unsure of his son's objection unless it is the wish of the Dean of Christ Church, whom he generally has to second on account of multiple kindnesses shown to him.

Smith's forty-five 'Salix' species make him impatient for the remained of "Flora [Britannica]". Nobody interested in botany in Rochester and the dryness of the area is not favourable for the fructification of mosses; however there are "great tracts of wood" and Lord and Lady Darnley have a hothouse, greenhouse, and "an idea of an arboretum". Found a new plant in a hothouse called "Egyptain 'Amaryllis'" which flowered in February to be a 'Pancratium' "caule biflora", refers to [Johan Jacon] Dillenius' "Hortus Elthamensis". [Thomas] Marsham wrote suggesting to leave him out of the Linnean Society Council and vice-presidentship for next year; happy to comply as long as he is not "let down improperly". Hopes Smith's reception at Frogmore [the Queen's country house in Berkshire] will be followed with fresh invitations.

Hopes Smith will find much amusement at Oxford. Unable to solicit favours of his few Oxford friends, but will be able to judge further on hearing more of the nature of the Oxford office [George] Williams is applying for. Will be disappointed if he does not see Smith at the Free Mason Tavern for the Linnean dinner.

Hopes Smith received the letter he sent a fortnight ago. Happy to hear of Smith's good health, impatient for his return as he has no botanical friends about him at present. Forwards letter and box of specimens recently received from [Romanus Adolph] Hedwig; unfortunately a box of books and rarities for Smith also from Hedwig has gone missing in transit. Encloses moss specimen [extant] which appears to be 'Barbula stricta' of Hedwig, found by [Nathaniel] Winch at Newcastle, [Northumberland]. The Irish seem pleased with his idea of a "Muscologia".

Specimen, labelled in ink, "'Barbula stricta'? Mr Winch", and in pencil "not of Hedwig - Schwaegr."

Specimen, labelled in ink, "'Tortula pilosa' Schrad. I found these leaves by accident among another moss from Norwich".

Gratified to see 'Hypericum calycinum', which Smith thought belonged to British flora. Encloses a new 'Gymnostmum' found near Cork, by Mr Drummond; observations; and possible 'Gymnostmum microstonum'.

[Spec 17 in pencil at top of verso of first folio]

Succeeded in gaining his son's support [Edmund Goodenough (1785-1845), headmaster and dean of Wells] for Dr [George] Williams at Oxford, although from his son's note and Smith's letter unsure "what this place of physical contention is" [possibly a disagreement over the Aldrichian chair of anatomy and physiology, founded 1803].

Apologises for missing Linnean Society anniversary meeting; [Thomas] Marsham rescinded his offer of accommodation and it is otherwise too difficult finding a place to stay in London. Also surprised at the expensive dinner tickets which he believes will "frighten away most of the valuable members" such as [John] Fairbairn, [Thomas] Hoy [(c 1750-1822)], [Jonas] Dryander, and [James] Dickson; compares prices with Westminster School and Orphan School dinners. Observed his first rare plant in Rochester, 'Ophrys nidus-avis', at the side of a wood. Is not confident of Rochester's suitability for botanising; the hills mean there is very little rain. Asks when the remaining part of ["Flora Britannica"] appears; fears [Napoleon] Buonaparte will invade before it does. Gives his regards to [Aylmer Bourke] and Mrs [Catherine] Lambert.

Hopes Smith less distressed. Remarkable distress and mortality at Edinburgh so far this year; his own health poor. Received letter from [James] Playfair [(1738-1819), Church of Scotland minister] in March indicating he is still interested in studying honey bees and drones; understands he is to publish his findings. Fears the overturn of peace. [George] Don going on well in Botanic Garden.

Numbered observations on enclosed cryptogam specimens, several of which he thinks are common: 1. 'Polytrichum' [Smith annotation: "var[iet]y of 'commune'"]; 2. 'Polytrichum' [Smith annotation: "'gracile'"]; 3. 'Polytrichum' [Smith annotation: "very near 'commune', I should think it that but for the nodding capsules"]; 4. 'Polytrichum' [Smith annotation: "new - original 'strictum' of Banks"]; 5. 'Polytrichum hercynicum' [Smith annotation: "good"]; 6. 'Splachnum' resembling [James] Dickson's 'tenue' [Smith annotation: "true"] ; 7. 'Phascum' [specimen extant] [Smith annotation: "'patens'?"]; 8. 'Splachnum rogosum', previously sent to Dickson 9 and 4 years ago.

Numbered observations on enclosed plant specimens: 1. a new 'Elymus', proposes name 'E. alpinus' [Smith annotation: "surely only 'Triticum caninum' [...] Tis no 'Elymus', returned the specimen"]; 2. an 'Anthemis' which he calls 'A. hybrida'.

One specimen, labelled, "no.7 'Phascum patens'?"

Has sent some specimens for Smith's opinion, as well as the 'Orthotrichum piliferum', 'Saxifraga', and 'Potentilla' specimens he sent some time ago; would have sent the others before now but the death of his son, James Brodie Don, on 27 April "embarrassed" his feelings for some time.

As previously discussed he intends to publish a "Hortus Siccus", but after [James] Brodie pointed out the opposition he would likely face from [James] Dickson, has decided to only publish in Scotland; intends to publish 4 times a year containing 25 specimens, asks Smith to provide names of any interested parties.

Unable to assist Dr [George] Williams of Oxford in election as his brother's vote is the only one in his influence and he is too warmly engaged in politics to quit his post and only visits Oxford in October to attend the All Souls election.

Does not intend to visit London this year; his family's arrangements for summer. Sent his 'Confervae' drawings to [James] Sowerby but judging by his figure of 'Conferva rubra' fears he will not profit by them; lists the figure's errors in figure and requests his drawings be sent to his brother. Not usually being here at this season was unaware of the destruction of pheasant eggs by carrion crows; they also take eggs and young chickens from his poultry yard.

Sends a sucking-pig to Smith for [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert's table tomorrow and recommends that it is roasted whole, including head and not with "the limbs cut off, as is the fashion of some cooks to send them up". Thanks for "the rich present of bulbs" and asks that Smith's "young man" provides a list. Her Sierra Leone white lily now has six flowers and "is a great height & has a noble appearance". Gratified by the possibility of peace, which she credits the "eloquent display of the wise & honest sentiments of my friend Mr Fox" for.

Smith was kind to her dogs and they have tried the vitriol but they still scratch. Her health indifferent from spasms. Hopes Smith's eye will not suffer on his journey.

Pleased to receive letter from Smith. Smith's friend, Miss Colombine, situated in a worthy, respectable family, the Brigstockes; her misfortunes to be lamented. [Thomas] Johnes and [Mariamne] Johnes going on well. Smith must have heard much of 'Calx muriata' of Dr [Thomas] Beddoes [(1760-1808), chemist and physician]; he does not entirely subscribe to all he says of it.

Numbered observations on enclosed specimens: 1. 'Sisymbrium tibliori' [Smith annotation: "'Sisymbrium monense' laid in"]; 2. 'Crataegus' [Smith annotation: "'Crataegus oxycantha' laid in]; 3. a 'Lichen' [Smith annotation: "new, laid into deal cabinet"]; 4. 'Crataegus' found with no.2 [Smith annotation: "var[iet]y"]; 5. 'Lolium hybridum', believes nondescript, sent to [James] Dickson 1795 [Smith annotation: "'L. arvense'"]; 6. 'Carex' [Smith annotation: "may be new 'C. salina' Sw[artz]"]; 7. 'Aira' differs from 'aquatica', like 'Poa retroflexo' [Smith annotation: "var[iet]y'].

Recently saw 'Assium petrafilium'. Observations on 'Valeriana pyrenaica', found 1782 and 1804. Will send a new 'Galium' and other things soon.

Pleased Smith's series of lectures in Liverpool has been confirmed; details, including acquisition of a room over the Union Coffee House, offers to supply Smith with any botanical works or specimens required over the course of the lectures, having the works of [Nikolaus von] Jacquin and the principle "Floras", and advertising by himself and Taylor.

Received Smith's letters of 27 January and 11 April, pleased that the parcel sent to Smith has arrived. Fears that the new war will impede their literary intercourse [resumption of war between Britain and France]. Has sent Smith and Sir Joseph Banks copies of Acharius' "Methodus lichenum". Congratulates Smith on acquisition of [Edmund] Davall's herbarium, will take up offer to send items from it, in particular Regnier's 'Polytrichum pulverulentum', and the roses.

Discussion of roses: thanks for Smith's observations on his roses ['Rosa caesia', 'R. spinoissima n', 'R. multiflora', and 'R. arvensis'], agrees that his 'Rosa arvensis' may be a different species but distinct from his 'R. canina' and 'R. collina', believes this is Jacquin's. Currently cultivating 30 rose species, requests ripe fruit of the 'R. arvensis' in the autumn.

Observations on enclosed specimen of 'Malaxis monophyllos' [in Smith herbarium], when it is found with two leaves it is 'Ophrys latifolia'. Will endeavour to acquire some of [Georg] Wahlenberg's [(1780-1851)] Lapland discoveries for Smith, remarks that he is a superior traveller to any other who have visited "those remote regions". Asks Smith's opinion of [Antonio] Cavanilles arrangement of filices. Has received letter from Cavanilles in which he states that he has discovered the true seeds of ferns and mosses, which shall overthrow [Johann] Hedwig's theory of the sexes.

Arriving in Liverpool by the end of the week. Thanks Roscoe for his patronage and is happy for him and Taylor to advertise the lectures though anxious for the first one to be held by end of June.

A letter from Sir James Edward Smith, Norwich, [Norfolk], to Étienne Pierre Ventenat