Sending 'Juncus' specimens from his herbarium, delayed by his comparison with the specimens [James] Bicheno sent to Linnean Society accompanying his paper on subject; observations on species.

Discusses the genus 'Rubus': [James] Bicheno, [William] Borrer, and himself have examined Weihe's ["Rubi Germanici" (1822-1827)]; believes he has some of Weihe's specimens, which he offers to send to Smith for investigation.

Recently sent Smith specimens of 'Salix glauca' and four roses, not knowing which he referred to as not a variety of '[Rosa] arvensis'. Does not know Smith's 'R. subglobosa'; thinks others of [Joseph] Woods' [(1776-1864)] varieties may rank as species; thinks he should have united two more of Smith's list, the 'R. woodsii' with 'R. dumetorum', and 'R. canna' with 'R. sarmentacea'. He has found and cultivated 'R. collina'; observations.

Discusses work of himself, [William] Borrer, and [James] Bicheno on 'Rubus', observations on 'Rubus cordifolius' and 'Rubus rhamnifolius'; will send specimens to Smith, named on authority of Merten and Weihe. Also sending plant of 'Campanuta punctata'.

Account of discussion with [Joseph] Sabine on roses.

[Bicheno's letter:] proposed rearrangement of the genus 'Rubus'.

[Forster's note:] queries some of Bicheno's decisions.

Wrote to Joseph Woods regarding 'Rosa systala' and his paper on 'Rosa' for "Linnean Transactions", transcribes part of Woods' reply. Woods explains an apparent confusion caused between 'Rosa systala' and [Nicaise Auguste] Desvaux's [(1784-1856) French botanist] 'Rosa stylosa', not having seen Desvaux's "Flore d'Anjou" at the time of his paper.

The work Smith is referring to is third edition of Candolle and Lamarck's "Flore Française" [(1815)]; corrects error in description of 'Rubus glandulosus'; uncertain if Smith's specimen is the same as their common plant; observations.

Pleased with Smith's work on 'Rubus'; observations on genus and species. Pleased that Smith could elucidate 'Potentilla'; obervations on genus and species. Showed the 'Rubus' proof to [James] Bicheno.

Settles accounts with Smith, including from Gurney and [John] Latham. Smith will have to reduce 'Tilia' to three species, as Bicheno has found 'T. grandifolia', 'T. parvifolia', and 'T. europaea' in Stokenchurch Woods, proving duplication of species has occured in other works, including Ray and Dillenius; observations. Discussion of 'Rubus rhamnifolius'; glad Smith found [Robert] Brown "so correct", he has just returned from his trip to Italy "much pleased". [Alexander] Macleay is returned from Caithness with his lame son, fears he will always be a "cripple".

[Note in Bicheno's hand] confirms Forster's account of his discovery of three 'Tilia' species in Stokenchurch Woods.

Sorry that [Robert] Brown has declined Secretaryship of the Linnean Society, as he would have "done so much honour to the Society"; [James] Bicheno is willing to accept the post if offered; [Edward] Barnard also expressed an interest, but majority of Council favours Bicheno. Departure of [Alexander] Macleay a "great loss" for the Society but the colony [New South Wales] will benefit, as "such a man is much wanted there"; [Joseph] Sabine has been called out on his proposed portait of Macleay.

He has moved to Hale End, [Essex], invites Smith to stay when next in London.

Thanks for Christmas turkey. Will ask [James] Bicheno what Smith said respecting Turner's explusion. Requested further information from [William] Borrer on 'Salix tetrapla' Walker. Wished to proposes Mertens as FMLS but afraid to in consequence of Dawson Turner's "slander", will attempt again next year.

Expects Smith will have trouble with cryptogamia; thinks the public expects Smith to give the whole vegetable kingdom ["English Flora"].

Invites Smith to them at Hale End, [Essex].

Attended funeral of Thomas [Forster, his brother]. [James] Bicheno suffering from temporary ailment which prevented his seeing Smith at Hale End. Sending mourning rings.

Thanks for turkey. Turns down offered potential post [of vice-president] in favour of [Robert] Brown. Heard from [Alexander] Macleay at Rio de Janeiro, assumes they have reached New South Wales by now. Hopes Smith's niece is bearing her misfortune well. Account of recent Linnean Society meeting. Their bank quiet but fears great distress across the country and expects to hear of banks failing.

[Letter incomplete: large portion of second folio cropped, unclear if any significant text missing]

Sending specimens of living 'Salix borreri', collected by [William] Borrer in Bredalbane, [Perthshire]. Invites Smiths to stay at Hale End, so they can attend Linnean Society [anniversary meeting] together. Received paper from [Henry Thomas] Colebrooke [(1765-1837), botanist] on the Quinary divisions, unsure if he was serious or hoaxing them. Concerned that the Society will never be able to accomplish rotation of chair by the vice-presidents.

[Smith noted his reply in corner of verso of first folio]: replied by telegraph will be with Forster on 1 May.

Pleased Smith will be coming on 1 May, arrangements for the visit. Sorry the box was not sent before 'Salix borreriana' spoiled.

Sorry that Smith was not able to come on 1 May, hopes he will still be able to come on 15 May. New Linnean Society Council to include Sir Stamford Raffles [(1781-1826), founder of Singapore], Charles Bell, [Nicholas Aylward] Vigors [(1786-1840), zoological administrator and quinarian], Dr [John] Bostock and [Joseph] Sabine. Believes Honorary Memberships should be kept for princes and other very distinguished persons.

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].

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]

Arrangements for Smith's approaching visit.

Disappointed by postponement of Smith's visit, caused by death of Mr J Reeve. Received parcel of plants for Smith from [John Russell] Duke of Bedford. Received plants from [William] Borrer including 'Tinardia palustris'.