Sends the first part of his commentary on the "Hortus Malabaricus", if suitable for "Linnean Transactions" will forward the rest. The Wernerian Society in Edinburgh will print a similar commentary on the "Herbarium Amboinense". Arranging the dried plants he brought from India according to the Linnaean method and compiling an index, explains his methodology. Reports the progress of the commentary, having reached 'Hexandria' and already has 900 species. Would like to discuss with Smith what to do with specimen duplicates. Has sent an account of his botanical work in India to the Royal Society of Edinburgh which will form an introduction to his commentaries. Requests berries of the 'Viscum'.

Repeats his requests for 'Stratiotes' and 'Butomus' for his "Naboths vineyard". Hopes to see the Smiths at Arley Hall in the summer. Pleased that Smith received specimens from [Nathaniel] Wallich, received a packet of seeds himself from Wallich but few have germinated, hopeful of mountain firs. Received seeds and bulbs, including 'Liliaciae', from north-east coast of Australia from his protegé. Has Australian shells for Lady Smith should they visit in the summer, and has installed a roaster in his garden to germinate tropical seeds.

Acknowledges that the agreement between his niece and the Brandreths was as complete as possible [apparently for a situation as governess] but was unaware of recent developments; he had been commissioned to find a situation for her and was dissatisfied by "the Paris scheme". Upset by attack on his moral principles [crossed out].

Smith "the only orthodox botanist in Europe" and the "Lord-Treasurer of Botany", on account of his possession of the Linnaean collections. Compliments Smith's "Introduction to Botany", which he has translated into German, on allowing him to save the blushes of virgins when explaining the sexual system in his lectures. Bemoans proliferation of "poets" in botany who are either ignorant of the grammar of the science or of Greek and Latin. The struggle to maintain the Linnaean sexual system as the premier natural system in Germany. Asks what happened to the publication of [Abraham] Rees' "Cyclopedia". Discusses his adherence to Linnaean nomenclature. Asks for Smith's assistance in obtaining a Calcutta correspondent.

Acknowledges that Miss Smith [Smith's niece] "wholly responsible" for "unhandsome conduct" used towards them; apologises to Smith for letter he sent [disagreement over finding her a situation as a governess].

Has finished his index as far as possible. Impatient for further parcel of autograph specimens. Correction for errata of second volume of ["A selection of the correspondence of Linnaeus" (1821)]. Hopes a finished, printed copy can be sent to the Linnean Society for either 17 April or 1 May.

The genus 'Crocus'.

Expects Smith on 30 April. Suffering from insomnia, which he treats with laudanum, and is never well. Approves of [Thomas] Hare's dedication to Smith ["Considerations on the Structure, Functions, and Disorders of the Stomach and Alimentary Organs of the Human Body..." (1821)]; his opinion of Hare. Though he has not seen Correa for a while does not believe he has left.

Approves autographs [for "A selection of the correspondence of Linnaeus" (1821)]. Requests further proofs so he can finish his index, and fair copies of various sections.

Hopes the mistletoe berries he forwarded for Smith will succeed. Sorry to hear of Smith's troubles with his "near connections". Linnean Society disappointed by Smith's absence on 16 April. Has taken the chair at the Society a few times after [Alexander] Macleay's report of "poor [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert having forgot himself one night most strangely". Reports an accident at Westminster School, of which his son Edmund is the headmaster, involving a pupil and a glazier who "saw too much". Edmund to marry Miss Fanny Cockerell, youngest daughter of [Samuel Pepys] Cockerell [(1753-1827)] the architect and niece of Sir Charles Cockerell [1st baronet (1755-1837), banker].

Returns remaining 10 volumes of Miss Currer's collection of correspondence, and volumes of [Emanuel Mendez] da Costa's [(1717-1791), naturalist] correspondence, and a few other letters.

Returned from Scotland. Happy to hear Smith will be at next Linnean Society meeting, hopes Smith can attend upcoming Council meeting. The Society to take late Sir Joseph Banks' house as its rooms, with the drawing room to become the meeting room. A subscription being raised for marble bust of Banks, limited to £1; £100 of £120 cost already raised. New "Linnean Transactions" volume ready for publication before 24 [May 1821], "it will be a very splendid one", the plates for [Robert] Brown's paper cost £240. Necessary for the Society to recruit in order to continue, asks Smith to interest [Thomas] Brightwell [(1787-1868)], "one of the most intelligent entomologists in this kingdom".

His family "harrassed" by sickness. Regretted missing [William] Roscoe whilst he was in Norwich, and was unaware until Smith's letter of Roscoe's botany interests. Thinks that Dawson Turner would be "highly gratified" to examine Smith's two chests of "botanical treasures" from the East Indies. Looks forward to hope of visiting Smith in Norwich.

Disappointed in receiving visits from Smith and Bishop of Norwich [Henry Bathurst (1744-1837)]; latter's attendence at House of Lords did not produce the peace in Ireland anticipated. Received a box of Australian specimens, now with [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert; half are for Smith. Asks Smith not to trouble himself about the aquatics. His new pit proficient at raising seeds; expects to show Smith new things from Australia, Nepal, and Brazil.

Saw Mr Longman on his return through London yesterday, who expressed "great pleasure" in publishing the "Correspondence", and regretted that his house had formerly declined taking on the work. Offers his interest in this edition to Nichols for £100 and 150 copies, as it is the kind of book to make presents and exchanges with.

[Draft of Nichols' reply:] Declines Smith's offer.

A dinner with Correa, [Robert] Brown, [Charles] Konig, and Hare; Mr Forster thinks Correa's mental powers are failing. Correa's opinion of America. Walked to [Stoke] Newington and visited the Aikins, Mrs Barbauld, Mrs Lee, and Revd Mr Bransby. Unable to see [Nathaniel] Kindersley [Smith's cousin] before he goes to India. Visited Loddiges [plant nursery] where they have raised hundreds of 'Rhododendrum arboreum' from his seeds. His future activities. Has not heard anything yet about their journey to Southampton._x000D_

[Explanatory notes in pencil, by another hand, on first folio]_x000D_

[Letter incomplete: folio[s] presumed destroyed]

Satisfied with arrangements for publication, and leaves arrangements with Longman to Nichols. Returns proof of index.

Thanks for letter of 22 March and specimens, although latter have not yet arrived.

Apologises for delay in informing Smith of state of the subscription to purchase an annuity for [William] Roscoe; Smith's £50 transferred to the fund; about £3,000 already subscribed, exclusive of [Thomas William] Coke's £100 per annum. Roscoe appears pleased "at the manner in which this mark of the esteem and regards of his friends has been brought about". Roscoe has made himself unwell through overwork on several literary pursuits. The Martin family all well [Smith's sister and family].

Following Smith's statement that he would not object to the Linnean Society paying attention to the fungi, suggests that members be invited to bring drawings to the first autumn meeting.