Thanks Woodward for his "excellent" drawing of 'Lycoperdon coliforme'; discusses other species including 'L. pedunculatum' and 'L. fraxineum'. Sorry Charles Bryant [(d 1799)] is publishing "his folly & obstinacy to the world"; intends to defer his own paper on the subject. Found 'Lycoperdon stellatum'; his observations, and a new species he is calling 'L. fragile'; definition.

Recently spent two months in Yorkshire and Westmoreland; found many lichens, sent some to [John] Pitchford. Planning an expedition to Loch Lomond, Ben Lomond, Taymouth, Blair, and Dunkeld. His future plans: will spend time in Norwich and London, graduate, and undertake a tour of Europe.

Dr [John] Walker [(1731-1803), Scottish minister and natural historian] has found plants in Scotland not in [John] Lightfoot, including: 'Rubus arcticus', 'Lysimachia thrysiflora', and "indubitable" 'Elymus arenarius'; comparison of latter with other specimens.

Account of his Highland expedition: only went as far as Loch Lomond and ascended Ben Lomond with Mr Stewart, so often mentioned in [John] Lightfoot's book; found 'Sibbaldia procumbens', 'Azalea procumbens', 'Alchemilla alpina', 'Plygonum viviparum', 'Saxifraga stellaris', 'S. nivalis', 'S. oppositifolia', 'S. hypnoides', and 'S. autumnalis', 'Juncus spicatus' and 'J. triglumis', 'Rubus chamaemorus', 'Silene acaulis', 'Gnaphalium alpinum' Lightfoot, 'Salix herbacea', 'Lichen crinitus', 'L. tornefactus', 'L. polyphyllus', 'L. ventosus', 'L. ericetorum', 'L. caeruleo-nigricans', any many other [unnamed] plants.

Plant acquisitions from Westmoreland, including from Mr Stuart's garden: 'Juncus biglumis', 'Anthericum calyculatum', 'Salix lapponum' and other 'Salix', 'Vaccinium vitis-idaea', 'Cornus herbacea', 'Astragalus uralensis'; hopes to receive more plants from this person soon. Has nearly all the rare Scottish plants, which he is making a collection of for a competition held by Dr [John] Hope. Added following plants to the Scottish flora: 'Polygonum pensylvanicum', 'Senecio sarracenicus', 'Lichen pyxidatus' [William] Hudson, 'Byssus rubra' Hudson, 'Agaricus deliciosus' and 'A. viridis', 'Lycoperdon epiphyllum' Linnaeus. Struggled with 'Fucus' this year; bad coast for sea plants. Details of Woodward's mineral specimens.

The 'Arundo ' in Earsham wood, [Norfolk], is the 'A. epigeios'; requests specimens. Has the true 'Arundo calamagrostis'. Asks Woodward and [John] Pitchford to fulfill the list of desiderata he sent Pitchford for his friends.

Enjoyed his time in London with [Robert] Batty who now thinks of setting up as a surgeon and apothecary. Broussonet has been appointed professor of oeconomy at Paris and is working on a "Flora Monspeliaca". Returned [William] Withering's proofs, with comments.

His purchase of the Linnaean library and collections for 900 guineas; lists the contents, being everything owned by both Linnaeuses [Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778), and Carl Linnaeus the Younger (1741-1783)], excepting the fossils of the elder which are given to the University of Upsal. Describes his luck of being friends with the man who was employed to negotiate a sale to Sir Joseph Banks. Estimates its value and ability to return. Intends to return to Edinburgh next winter.

Linnaean collections still disordered but Woodward welcome to consult it. Elder Linnaeus' herbarium in "perfect order" but the younger's is unarranged [Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778), and Carl Linnaeus the Younger (1741-1783)]. Offers Woodward first refusal of the duplicate books. Discusses Murray's new edition [of "Systema vegetibilium"], which is a "faulty work", as is the "Supplementum plantarum". Has copy of Artedi for Woodward.

Thanks for Woodward's advice in his last letter; will guard his herbarium but give small displays. [William] Withering's polite behaviour in offering not to make use of the botanical information Smith gave him. [John] Lightfoot and Sir Joseph Banks have both offered Smith their herbariums and assistance for his intended "Flora Britannica". Keeping the fossils for the present and will not move the herbarium, but will bring the grasses to Norwich at the end of June with specimens of 'Orthoceras' and 'Anthericum calyculatum'. Jeans has none of Woodward's fossils. Going to Oxford to consult Dillenius' mosses and Rudbeck's "Campi Elysii" volume 1. Found [Robert] Stone's [(c 1751-1829), botanist] ticket to admit him, as Miss Taylor, into the British Museum.

Confirms that Woodward's specimen of 'Orobanche' is Linnaeus' 'O. ramosa'. Cannot currently procure any of the plants Woodward requested and Leers' "Flora" not currently available in London. Returns the two 'Potamogeton' specimens with notes. 'Alopecurus ventricosus' of [William] Hudson is 'Milium lendigerum' Linnaeus; no specimen in Linnaean herbarium, but a specimen of same called 'Agrostis australis'; 'M. lendigerum' should be erased from Linnaeus' works. Comments on Woodward's specimens by comparison with Linnaeus, and other plants', including: 'Bromus secalinus', 'B. arvensis', 'B. erectus' of Hudson cannot be 'B. racemosus' of Linnaeus, has the specimen of 'Festuca avenacea' sent by Hudson to Linnaeus, 'Festuca repens', 'Carex limosa', 'Brassica muralis' is 'Sisymbrium catholicum', sends seeds of true 'Sisymbrium murale' from Chelsea [Physic] Garden.

Lately found history of his Chinese books and carved rhinoceros' horn in ["Amoenitates academicae"] vol 4. Glad Woodward likes the 'Oleum cajeput' but recommends camphor for cabinets. Not leaving for his tour of Europe until after seeing Sir Joseph Banks.

Encloses a pamphlet he has just printed [possibly "A dissertation on the sexes of plants" (1786)], requests Woodward's opinion. Requests accurate observations for Woodward's theory that 'Orobance [ramosa]' and 'Cuscuta' render barren the plants they parasitically attach to. Observations, from Linnaean herbarium, on 'Agrostis australis' and 'Milium lendigerum' being the same. Notes on 'Bromus erectus', 'Bromus racemosus', and 'Sisymbria murale' in Linnaeus' herbarium. Has learnt how to decipher most of Linnaeus' herbarium marks and has gone through the whole with Sir Joseph Banks.

[Botanical notes on address label on 'Cerastium latifolium', 'Sedum villosum', and 'Spergula pentandra', in Smith's hand]

He has taken all his examinations and taking his degree tomorrow; pleased with Leyden and friendliness of [David] van Royen [(1727-1799)] and [Frédérique Louis] Allamand [(1735-1803)], but the garden is inferior to many in England. Amsterdam garden neater, but [Nicolaas Laurens] Burman [(1734-1793)] is evasive and "shelters his ignorance under his professional dignity". Spends his mornings with Royen looking over his herbarium, his uncle's, Herman's, [Paolo] Boccone's [(1633-1704)], and Ranwolf's; 'Conium royeni' is 'Caucalis daucoides'. Royen recently resigned Leyden botanical chair, reserving use of the garden, and wanted [Carl Peter] Thunberg to succeed him, but a young man of inferior skill was appointed instead [Sebald Justinus Brugmans (1763-1819), physician and botanist].

'Eryngium campestre' and 'Menyanthes nymphioides' only worthwhile wild plants seen so far. Dismisses his dissertation "de generatione" as "an exercise & a sketch". Disappointed by Amsterdam booksellers; his opinion of that town and Leyden. His future movements. Difficulty of finding Leers' "Flora".

Delayed in replying to Woodward by Linnean Society affairs and moving house, the stress of which brought on a fever, pain in the side, and cough of five months duration, now better. Glad Woodward was satisfied with the specimens he sent; recently sent Woodward a paper of his on vegetable irritability via [John] Pitchford. Opinion on his "Introductory discourse" to Linnean Society.

Has little on 'Lycoperdon' except that the little one he sent from Scotland is [James] Dickson's 'fragile'. Confirms 'Astragalus arenaria' is 'A. hypoglottis' of Linnaean herbarium and "Mantissa". Variety of 'Carex panicea' "seems a monster". His house "excellent & pleasant". Asks if Woodward would like to become a Fellow rather than Associate of the Linnean Society; the cost and benefits.

Just returned from Matlock, [Derbyshire], in much better health. Details of Linnean Society fellowship and constitution. Transcribes manuscript note on 'Lycoperdon epiphyllum' from Linnaeus' "Flora Suecica", and his own notes on 'L. pedunculatum'; advises Woodward write only on the English 'Lycoperdon'.

Goodenough received Woodward's 'Fucus' specimens but they have been unable to examine them. Corrects mistakes Woodward made about 'Fucus' in his last letter [30 July 1788, see RelatedMaterial below] and regrets being unable to help with specimens of 'Equisetum sylvaticum' and 'Mentha villosa' at present. Linnean Society has begun to make a library and herbarium of English plants and would be grateful for Woodward's specimens of 'Bromus arvensis', 'Carex limosa', 'C. strigosa', and 'Orobanche ramosa', and he would like 'C. strigosa'.

Saw 'Ophrys loeselii' in [William] Curtis' garden. At Matlock found plants not usually known there, including: 'Thlaspi alpestre', 'Lichen laetevirens', 'L. saccatus', 'L. immersus', and 'Hypnum intricatum' Schreber. Comments that [Richard] Relhan's "vile figure" of 'Thesium alpinum' seems same plant as Gerard's "beautiful & accurate one".

Glad that Woodward was not more seriously injured in his coach accident; now thinks of their parting jokes as "almost criminal"; hopes Woodward prosecutes the coach operator for taking so many people on board. Reveals when he was 20 years old it was discovered that he had broken his collarbone at some point in his childhood. He was recently at Sir Joseph Banks' when [Charles Godfrey] Woide [(1725-1790)] of the [British] Museum suffered an apoplectic fit; he died shortly after.

[Letter incomplete: second folio cropped, only three lines of text remain]

Pleased Woodward's health is recovering; does not doubt health benefits of taking quicksilver, though as he does not understand how it works he ought to deny its usefulness.

His "Icones pictae" and "Spicilegium botanicum" both soon published. [Samuel] Goodenough in London tomorrow for Royal Society anniversary meeting; looking forward to seeing the Crowes. Ordered continuation of Bulliard's ["Histoire des champignons"] for Woodward some time ago from L'Héritier but he is now extremely busy. "Linnean Transactions" vol 1 out by Christmas. Glad Woodward is thinking of coming to London in the spring. Still working on ferns; for the genus 'Woodwardia' only has species 'W. nodosa' and 'W. alata', disproves of name of former. Thanks for drawing of 'Lycoperdon phalloides', which will be in first number of "Spicilegium botanicum". Writing the text for [James] Sowerby's "English botany", on plan of [William] Curtis' "Magazine", for free, till he sees whether it succeeds or not; its motto from Virgil; contents of first number.

Disappointed Woodward is not coming to London, he will only have a short time himself in Norfolk. Printing difficulties of "Linnean Transactions" vol 1. "Flora Lapponica" printing, it will be the "most correct edition" ever of any of Linnaeus' works; describes his work on it. Working on "Spicilegium botanicum" letterpress; "English botany" "sells amazingly" and is unlikely to stop. [William] Curtis said to be in difficulties. Sends third fasciculus of "Icones [pictae]", containing 'Fucus inflatus' and 'Agrostis capillaris'.

Dined with [Edmund] Burke's [(1730-1797), politician] brother yesterday at the [William Henry Cavendish-Bentinck, 3rd] Duke of Portland's [(1738-1809)]. [James] Dickson's next two fascicules will complete his work ["A collection of dried plants..", see RelatedMatieral below].

Thanks for present of game. For his paper on ferns asks Woodward whether he prefers the genus they agreed, 'Asplenium nodosum', not common in gardens, or 'Trichomanes canariense', which is; if Woodward chooses the 'Asplenium' he will name the other 'Davallia', otherwise will call the 'Asplenium' 'Porocarpus'.

Continuing work on his "Tour of the Continent"; has been "very ample" in his account of [Jean Jacques] Rousseau [(1712-1778), philosopher] and had intended to attempt an apology for him until seeing Capel Lofft's [(1751-1824), radical editor and writer] "most eloquent & sufficient" defence of him against [Edmund] Burke [(1730-1797), politician]. Recently received many specimens from Botany Bay; difficulty of settling natural order of some. Second fasciculus of "Icones pictae" printing and last two fasciculus of Dickson's "dried plants" will complete the work. 'Ligusticum cornubiense' figured in next fasciculus of "Icones pictae". Sorry for recurrence of Woodward's old complaint, urges him to come to London for medical advice.

Sends "Flora Lapponica" and final fasciculus of Dickson's "dried plants", "Icones pictae" delayed; Woodward's account. Sends specimens of 'Iberis amara' and 'Lycoperdon cancellatum' of Jacquin and Linnaeus "Supplementum" he found on pear leaves at Sir Abraham Hume's in Hertfordshire, which he almost certainly the work of insects. Thanks for turkey, on which he, [Samuel] Goodenough, and [Jonas] Dryander dined, and letters of 28 December [1791] and 5 January [1792]: intends to create the genera 'Woodwardia', 'Davallia', and 'Dicksonia' to go "hand in hand"; [William] Withering's election to Linnean Society "unanimous"; does not know [William] Sole except by name; thinks Woodward's disorder is gout. Only giving copies of "Flora Lapponica" to a few country friends and directing everyone else to purchase it from White's, as they print it at their "hazard & expense".

Arranging the Queen's [Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz (1744-1818)] herbarium, late [John] Lightfoot's, on introduction and advice of Lady Cremorne and [Samuel] Goodenough; refusing payment; the Queen's character; is to give her and the Princesses a course of botany in the summer; expects a visit from the Queen. Studying Lightfoot's herbarium will be useful for his "Flora Britannica" as the British specimens are good and annotated by [John] Pitchford and Bryant. His old servant, François [Borone], is to accompany [Adam] Afzelius on a botanical trip to Sierra Leone for 18 months to 2 years, sent by the [Sierra Leone] Company to find gums and other profitable items of trade.

Sends second number of "Icones pictae" and "Spicilegium botanicum"; Woodward's account. Tasted "the horrors of the damned" after "Icones pictae" was advertised in last number of "English botany" before it was ready and being repeatedly harassed by his friends for it. Sends missing sheet of "Flora Lapponica"; sent it as sheets supposing Woodward's bookbinders less corrupt than his. Delay in admitting Woodward's two nominations to Linnean Society.

The Reviews "very civil" towards "Linnean Transactions" vol 1, especially his "Introductory discourse", which has met with many compliments, including from Scarpa of Pavia who informs him of its translation into Italian by Father Fontana, professor of mathematics at Pavia University, and brother to Abbè Fontana; his own opinion of his discourse. Confirms that [Robert] Batty's [(1763-1849), apothecary] shop was destroyed by collapse of the Pantheon following a fire, his shop was under the stage. François [Borone] and [Adam] Afzelius had embarked [for Sierra Leone] but their ship had an accident at Deal, [Kent], and is being refitted. Can accommodate Woodward for anniversary meeting, though his brother, John, may also be in London.

Thanks for Woodward's letter [of 19 June 1792]. His health bad since April, following various inflammatory attacks on his lungs, for which he has come to Matlock, several relapses but much recovered. Dr [Erasmus] Darwin is here, "a fine old man, full of enthusiasm", who wants to become a FLS, thinks Sir Brooke Boothby [7th baronet, (1744-1824), poet and writer] would, too. Admires Woodward's friend, Mr Favell. His new work is the second part of "Spicilegium botanicum".

Requests specimen of 'Ornithogalum pyrenaicum'. Abundance of bee and fly orchids here and he collected many lichens off the high rocks of Cromford moor, including: 'Lichen omphalodes', 'L. saxatalis', 'L. globiferus', 'L. fragilis', 'L. physodes', 'L. sanguinarius', 'L. ventosus', 'L. tartareus', 'L. calcareus', 'L. polyphyllus', and 'Jungermannia tridentata' but not in flower. Studied Hoffmann's works little but they seem very good, he is Murray's successor at Gottingen. Comparison of his "Flora Lapponica" with the original will show he corrected the citations very much. He has been lonely in Matlock.

Responds to points in Woodward's letter of 31 March [1792] on use of Latin in "Icones pictae". Concerned Woodward has not yet received the "peculiarly good" castor oil he sent during stay at Norwich and Ipswich. Setting out for Frogmore tomorrow for 5 weeks to teach the Queen's [Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz (1744-1818)] and Princesses botany and zoology, hopes he will receive some recompense.

Sending lichens. Asks Woodward's opinion of enlarging "English botany" to 6 plants for 2s 6d, as currently [James] Sowerby receives little and he nothing from it. Intends to work on his "Tour" at Frogmore. Plants found by [James] Dickson in Scotland: 'Saxifraga cernua', 'Gentiana nivalis', 'Stellaria cerastoides', and others have found 'Eriophorum alpinum', 'Convallaria verticillata', and 'Pyrola uniflora'. The bad accounts from Sierra Leone are false, or at least the [Sierra Leone] Company know nothing of them.

Responds to Woodward's queries in previous letter [of 18 November 1792] concerning 'Fucus' specimens. Woodward's paper on 'Fucus dasyphyllus' was read at Linnean Society and will probably be added to "Linnean Transactions" vol 2. 'Fucus furcellatus' Linnaean herbarium different from all the other 'Fucus' he has seen.

Intends to rename 'Blechnum radicans', 'B. virginicum', 'B. japonicum', and a new one, as 'Woodwardia', as the first two grow in British gardens, and this will group it with 'Davallia' and 'Dickonsia'; [Jonas] Dryander approves. Dr [Erasmus] Darwin and Sir Brooke Boothby [7th baronet, (1744-1824), poet and writer] are elected FLS.

Spent Christmas at Sir Alexander Hume's in Hertfordshire. Hopes to have his usual annual party of [Samuel] Goodenough, [Thomas] Marsham, and [Jonas] Dryander to his house next week, with Woodward's turkey acting as his ambassador; comments on turkeys being introduced from America to south of France by Jesuits. Asks for the Woodwards assistance in finding the tale in verse of the City mouse & country mouse" [note pasted to reverse of letter, in Smith's hand, with reference to Alexander Pope and Jonathan Swift]. He is "well pleased" with his royal pupils, who are "very diligent & apt"; returning after 4 June. Currently engaged in zoological lectures in London, has 16 subscribers, including Lord Stormont. Work on his "Tour" proceeded well at Frogmore.

Comments on 'Woodwardia'; on good grounds. Plans to figure 'Fucus abrotanifolius' in his uncoloured work. Error by [James] Sowerby in his figure of 'Cardamine impatiens' in "English botany". Praises beauty of [Edward] Donovan's [(1768-1837), natural historian] insect plates but the letterpress is "not scientific"; he is an "Irish compiling sort of adventurer in literature", previously published a "very bad" sixpenny botanical magazine. [Samuel] Goodenough still thinks the 'Fucus' Woodward mentioned is 'F. palmetta' of Gmelin.