[Jacques] Dorthes in Montpellier, [France], a good correspondent for Davall, though he himself only knows him as an entomologist. Will figure the true 'Sonchus alpinus' in his first fasciculus, now printing [presumably "Plantarum Icones"], convinced the alpine one is 'Sonchus canadensis'; [Jan Fredrik] Gronovius' [(1686-1762)] synonym belongs to 'Sonchus floridanus' as confirmed by [Sir Joseph] Banks' herbarium. Since Davall left discovered that [Albrecht von] Haller's 1338 is 'Scirpus triqueter', not 'Scirpus mucronatus'.

Received specimen of 'Lachenalia tricolor' from Lady Rockingham [Mary Watson-Wentworth]. The King [George III (1738-1820)] "confidently said to be mending". Printing "Reliquiae Rudbeckianae". 'Thouinia' of "Supp[lementum plantarum]" proves to be 'Chionanthus [zeylanicus]', having found it in younger [Carl] Linnaeus' [(1741-1783)] herbarium; intends to give [Andre] Thouin a new genus allied to 'Cordia' in new fasciculus. L'Heritier wants to name 'Morus papyrifera' after Broussonet; keeping back his own 'Broussonetia' for time being. [Jean Louis Antoine] Reynier [(1762-1824), botanist] intends to remain member of Linnean Society and was surprised they thought he was giving up natural history.

Invites Pulteney to become a FLS; news of the Linnean Society, including intentions, members, fees, and collections. Botanical news: 'Calycanthus praecox' in flower this winter; discovered that 'Schrebera' is only 'Myrica aethiopica' with a 'Cuscuta' on it, intends to publish this and other observations in a volume "Observationes Botanicae", but at present occupied in publishing "Icones plantarum"; Kew catalogue published in June.

Young [Joseph Franz] Jacquin staying in Britain for most of the summer. [Thomas] Marsham publishing an "Entomolgia Britannica". His herbarium now in better order than when he was at Chelsea, offers its services.

Letter is written around two botanical plates.

[Jacques] Dorthes of Montpellier, [France], an excellent correspondent for Davall. Proposing [Dominique] Villars a FMLS on strength of his book and has initiated correspondence. [Jean Louis Antoine] Reynier's [(1762-1824), botanist] "impertinent" to think Davall should write a continuation of his "silly Memoirs". Requests specimen of 'Carex tomentosa'. Discusses observations on 'Chenopodium polyspermum' in Davall's last letter, thinks a discovery has been made. Requests specimen of Leers' 'Hypericum dubium' to compare against his '[Hypericum] perfoliatum'.

The King [George III (1738-1820)] went "in great state" to St Paul's cathedral yesterday to give thanks for his recovery. Kew catalogue nearly complete, as is his own "[Plantarum] Icones" and "Rudbeck[ianae]". Beginning short course of botanical lectures on 5th May; [William] Curtis now too rich to lecture. Has fruits of Sir Joseph Banks to send [Jacob] Wyttenbach. Davall's 'Draba saxatilis' should be called 'Draba stellata' as published by [Nikolaus] Jacquin in "Enumeratio" pp.113 and 256. Lord Gainsborough [Henry Noel] elected Honorary Member at Linnean Society anniversary meeting. Swiss plants much esteemed in England; Forsyth has lately brought over a large collection. [Jonas] Dryander has ensured a 'Smithia sensitivia' will be in Kew catalogue. L'Heritier has acted "shabbily" by dating his monograph on 'Columniferae' 1785 so as to appear as though written before [Antonio José] Cavanille's book on same, they are having a dispute in "Journal de Paris"; Dryander openly attacks L'Heritier as "one of the most sneaking unprincipled of men".

Responds to points in Davall's letter of 5 May: 'Hister quadrimaculatus' extremely rare; 'Thilco' of Feucillée quoted in "Hortus Kewensis" for 'Fuschia coccinea'; sorry [Jean Louis Antoine] Reynier [(1762-1824), botanist] is in Linnean Society but he cannot be expelled; likes [James] Sowerby, they are to collaborating on a work ["Icones pictae"] dedicated to Lady Rockingham [Mary Watson-Wentworth] with "superb coloured plates"; her 'Euphorbia walleni' and 'Passiflora punctata' and his 'Antirrhinum reticulatum' complete. Sends fruits for [Jacob] Wyttenbach. Lots of seeds arriving from New Holland [Australia] including 'Banksia' at [James] Lee's. Hears nothing from [Werner de] Lachenal [(1736-1800), professor of botany at Basel].

Responds to Davall's letter of 22 May: 'Carex tomentosa' is correct and "right precious", no one except Sir Joseph Banks has seen it in England. Numbered observations on thirty plants in packet of same date: 'Carex foetida', 'Antirrhinum genistifolium', 'Cistus', 'Scirpus mucronatus', 'Scirpus triqueter', 'Potentialla opaca', 'Linum alpinum', 'Narcissus poeticus', 'Arenaria tenuifolia', 'Gnaphalium luteoalbum', 'Filago gallica', 'Carex saxatilis', 'Arenaria liniflora', 'Schoenus ferrugineus', 'Carex montana', 'Carex filiformis', 'Carex caespitosa', 'Carex elongata' Sp. Pl. ed 1 and Scheuchzer tab11 f4, 'Crapula rubens' HL, 'Narcissus pseudonarcissus', 'Potamogeton', 'Avena fragilis', 'Chara flexilis', 'Hypericum dubium', '[Hypericum] barbatum', 'Crepis biennis', 'Crepis virens', 'Salix arbuscula' HL, 'Scorzonera humilis', 'Turritis caerula', and 'Arenaria'.

François [Borone's, his assistant] intention to return to Milan has affected his plant collecting. Visiting Matlock, [Derbyshire], and [Richard] Salisbury this summer. Beautiful 'Fuchsia' thriving at Kew. Sending Davall his two most recently published books ["Plantarum icones" and "Reliquiae rudbeckianae"], [James] Dickson's "fasc[iculus] of dried plants", and 'Smithia sensitivia' as "harbringer" of Kew catalogue.

Sending Linnean Society diplomas and laws and lists for [Berthout] Van Beuchem and [Jacob] Wyttenbach, and laws and lists for Mr Tingry of Geneva, via Mr Mandrot.

Surprised Davall did not mention his marriage in last letter; hopes his new wife is "no enemy to Flora". Growing friendship with Davall's friend, [Edward] Forster of Threadneedle Street. Following his introduction to Lady Rockingham by Davall received from her her six volumes of "Hortus Malabaricus"; presenting [Joseph von] Jacquin to her at Hillingdon. Linnean Society in good health; [Jonas] Dryander has submitted "excellent" paper on 'Begonia'.

Davall's 'Spartium decumbens' figured in [Nikolaus von] Jacquin's "Icones [plantarum rariorum]" vol 2 fasc 3 as 'Genista humifusa' of Linnaeus, thinks Davall's figure much better. Smith expects his new work to eclipse Jacquin's, who "falls off grievously". Sir Joseph Banks resentful of his and [James] Sowerby's ["Icones pictae plantarum rariorum"] as he would like Sowerby to contribute to similar work on Kew plants, but is otherwise on good terms with Banks and Dryander and they are thought the "best possible friends".

Gathered 'Carex tomentosa' for [James] Dickson and waiting for 'Lichen cucullatus'. Has misgivings over figuring of Davall's 'Gentiana' as 'Swertia carinthiaca' in [Nikolaus von] Jacquin's "Miscellanea Austriaca" and thinks Davall should publish it as 'Gentiana pendunculata'. Lady Rockingham gave Jacquin Sowerby's drawing of her 'Aralia', or 'Hedera'. Blunders caused by Murray's printing. Requests seeds of 'Stellaria cerastoides'. Received 'Cerastium alpinum' from [Jacob] Wyttenbach. 'Aquilegia alpina' growing from his seeds at Chelsea. Details of his next fasciculus. His joke that a 'Hastingia' sent to Banks by [Charles] Konig should be called 'Hastingia sanguinea' well received by Dryander and [Richard] Salisbury but Banks grave, thinks him "a mere toad eater to the King". Dickson returned from Scotland with many items. Received seeds of 'Smithia' and dried plants from East India [Company].

Received Pulteney's letter of 6 October [1789]. Congratulates him on admission as FLS, rejoices "to have your name on our list as one of the main pillars of our infant undertaking", believes Pultney's and Linnaeus' names ought never to be separated. Proud that Pulteney approves of his recent publications, currently working on second fasciculus and "more splendid work with coloured figures". Studying 'Arenaria' for Linnean Society and ferns for another purpose.

'Erica didyma' of Stokes distinct from 'E. multiflora' Linnaeus. [Olof] Swartz' "Prodromus" not to be had in London. Recommends Jusseiu's "Genera Plantarum", though "not altogether Linnean". Offers to acquire L'Héritier's works for him.

Thanks for Pulteney's bill for Linnean Society admission charges. They hope to print a volume of "Transactions" soon, Sir Joseph Banks having promised to pay for the engraving of the plates. Sorry Pulteney has so much difficulty in getting books, offers his assistance, and to supply numbers of L'Héritier's "Stirpes novae aut minus cognitae". "All science stands still at Paris at pres[en]t". Hedwig's work on mosses. Asks after Pulteney's book currently in the press.

Encloses L'Héritier's "Sertum anglicum", bill should Pulteney keep them. Was unable to acquire Dalechamps or Brunfelsius for Pulteney. Asks after Pulteney's intended "Flora".

Busy writing and delivering his zoological and botanical lectures, teaching Lady [Amelia] Hume, and preparing his "Icones ineditae" and "Icones pictae". Thanks for chamois horns and seeds. Discusses Davall's marriage and wife; he himself has been unlucky in love although there is one woman who would make him happy. [Edward] Forster's marriage. His servant François [Borone] has returned to England but not currently placed with him.

Thanks for Pulteney's book, has already "devoured" a great part of it at Sir Joseph Banks'. Will send his second fasciculus [of "Plantarum icones"], sorry to have been "polemical, but thought a little chastisement of an impertinent fellow would save me future quarrels". Offers to send Gaertner and L'Héritier's latest works. Encloses list of Linnean Society members, 25 were present at their anniversary meeting. [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert likely to make "great discoveries" in Ireland.

Plants and drawings safely arrived but will wait for his zoological lectures to finish before commencing study. This year intends to bring out new edition of "Systema Vegetabilium" and a journal of his tour of the continent. Will inform [James] Sowerby of Davall's directions for the drawings. Davall should change name of 'Scirpus supinus' if certain it is Linnaeus' plant, otherwise call it 'Scirpus elongatus'. Received three proofs of Davall's work from Sowerby: the 'Spartium', 'Sisymbrium', and 'Crepis'. Davall's 'Scirpus triqueter' correct.

Numbered observations on some of the plants Davall sent him. Lady Rockingham has been ill but now recovered. Intends to bring out "Syst. Veg." next winter followed by "Obs[ervationes] Bot[anicae]". Warns Davall not to be cheated by [Albrecht von] Haller [(1758-1823)] and [Jacob] Wyttenbach and to bring out his book as soon as possible, approves of title "Illustrationes Hallerianae". Received Davall's box sent via [Charles St Clair, 13th] Lord Sinclair [(1768-1863)]; thanks for 'Lichen cucullatus', forwarded parcel to [William] Curtis. Spoke to [James] Sowerby about copying 'Protea mellifera'. '[Tussilago] paradoxa' called 'Tussilago spuria' of [Anders Jahan] Retzius [(1742-1821)]. His 'Senecio nemorensis' has "eight or nine rays". Knows no good figure of 'Carex saxatilis'.

Flattered that Davall should wish him to be godfather to his child but could not promise to bring it up in the Church of England as he finds it too close to popery and "believes no nonsense under the specious name of mystery"; explains his own religious beliefs.

List of plants sent to Bellardi by Smith in addition to those marked in Bellardi's desiderata.

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]

Smith writes on 11 July: Suffered a slight pleuratic attack. [Edward] Forster's wife's sister, Mrs Wishaw, is dying after being improperly managed by Mrs Williams following birth of her child, eating beef steaks and drinking wine not being permitted to suckle her child; the abundance of milk has induced a milk fever and is now in hopeless state.

Thanks for Davall's assistance in determining 'Geranium molle', 'Geranium pyrenaicum', 'Geranium puscillum', and 'Geranium rotundifolium'. Responds to points in Davall's previous letters: happy to keep 'Schoenus ferrugineus'; 'Lamium laevigatum' not yet in seed; Davall can say what he pleases about 'Phaca alpina'; Davall's 'Stellaria biflora' correct, and also correct about [Anders Jahan] Retzius' [(1742-1821)] 'Tassilago'; will get hold of 'Onopordum dettoides' for him; Lady Rockingham recovered; [Jacques] Dorthes busy taking a degree.

Smith writes on 14 July: thanks for Davall's packet [mentioned in his letter of 31 May 1790] containing books, views, and plants. Responds to points in Davall's letter of 29 June 1790: all the names for his plates acceptable and [James] Sowerby has commenced work on them; has done nothing with 'Phytenma' so returning it; approves of Davall's title for his book; approves of Davall's differentia specifica; exhorts Davall to publish as soon as possible and before [Jacob] Wyttenbach and [Albrecht von] Haller [(1758-1823)] [new edition of the elder Haller's "Icones plantarum Helvetiae"]; fears [Werner de] Lechanel's letter to him has been lost. Mrs Wishaw, Forster's sister, has died, and Miss Lee has returned home to die of a "deep consumption".

Numbered observations on remainder of Davall's former packet: 'Cistus marifolius' HL, 'Anemone sulphurea', 'Mentha aquatica', 'Galeopris villosa' Hudson, 'Sonchus plumierii', 'Hypochaeris helvetica', 'Achillea moschata', 'Micropus erectus', 'Betula incana', 'Quercus cerris', and 'Fontinalis pennata'.

Numbered observations on packet of plants just received: 'Inula oculus-christi', 'Thymus vulgaris', 'Galeopsis villosa' Hudson, 'Aria flexuosa', 'Mespilus cotoneaster', 'Carduus crispus' HL, 'Carduus rivularis' Jacquin, 'Lathyrus latifolius' HL, 'Sisymbrium tanacetifolium', 'Dentaria pinnata', 'Draba fladnizensis' Jacquin, '[Dentaria] verna', 'Androsace villosa', 'Androsace lactea', 'Androsace obtusifolia' Allioni, 'Dianthus glaucus' Hudson, 'Tribulus terrestris', fungus on 'Euphorbia', 'Euphorbia', 'Carex argentea', 'Cheiranthus fruticulosus' HL, 'Lamium maculatum', and 'Euphorbia palustris' HL.

Numbered observations on packet of plants of 27 February 1790: 'Valeriana montana', 'Crocus vernus', 'Scirpus supinus', 'Phalaris alpina', 'Aria subspicata' HL, 'Briza eragrostis' HL, 'Poa eragrostis' HL, '[Festuca] duriuscula', 'Stipa juncea', 'Stipa capillata', 'Avena versicolor', 'Potamogeton retusum', 'Cerinthe minor', 'Lonicera nigra', 'Lonicera caerulea' HL, 'Lonicera symphoricarpos', 'Chenopodium atriplicis', 'Chenopodium murale', 'Bupleurum angulosum' or 'B. ranunculoides', 'Selinum chabraei', 'Laserpitium', 'Aethusa bunius' HL, 'Pencedanum silars', 'Juncus pediformis' Villars, 'Rumex lunaria' HL, 'Rumex aurens' J Banks, 'Saxifraga sedoides', 'Saxifraga biflora' Allioni, 'Sedum saxatile' Wiggers, 'Cerastiums', '[Euphorbia] gerardiana', 'Prunus padus', 'Crataegus chamaemespilus', 'Potentilla aurea', 'Potentilla minima' Davall, 'Potentilla subacaulis', and 'Papaver alpinum'.

Davall's 'Carex' is published as 'Carex bellardi' in [James] Dickson's "dried plants" and it would vex [Carlo Antonio] Bellardi to change it. Distributed Davall's seeds amongst [John] Fairbairn, Dickson, [James] Lee, [William] Curtis, and [Samuel] Goodenough, but forgot [William] Aiton; desperate to make peace with him as Aiton is secretely jealous of his ["Icones pictae plantarum rariorum..."]. Sending seeds of 'Angelica archangelica'; bulbs of 'Dentaria bulbifera' from Dickson; 'Cineraria palustris', 'Artemisia carerulescens', 'Smyrnium olusatrum', and 'Holosteum umbellatum' from [Edward] Forster; and second fasciculi of Dickson's dried plants and ["Fasciculus plantarum cryptogamicarum Britannia"]. For forseeable future must labour for his support as he is too much of a burden for his "most indulgent father" who thinks physic would be more profitable, he himself knows "nothing is to be got by a young physician in London". Sending spare copy of Burman's "[Specimen botanicum] de Geraniis".

Smith writes to Edmund Davall: Glad Davall's health is better; warns him not to fatigue himself with botanical pursuits. Charmed with letter from Davall's wife. Responds to Davall's letter of 27 April: pleased with the 'Lichen cucullatus', thinks 'Stellaria biflora' correct, Davall should publish 'Phytenma' if he thinks it new, his "Systema Vegetabilium" ["English Botany"] not out before March. Responds to Davall's letters [of 29 June and 14 September 1790]: thanks for trouble he took over 'Satyrium repens'; recovered from his cold; Davall should pay Sowerby when he can, although they both have little money having "drained their purses" to bring out their "great work without being under the thumbs of booksellers"; warns Davall not to lend his plates to [Jacob] Wyttenbach and [Albrecht von] Haller [(1758-1823)] [for their new edition of the elder Haller's "Icones plantarum Helvetiae"]; Davall should concentrate on completing his book and he can reserve new plants and observations for a second edition; responds to points on 'Hypericum', 'Arenaria grandiflora' and 'Arenaria triflora'; thought Bauhin's 'Arenaria laricifolia' was 'Arenaria striata', though Davall may be right to think it 'Arenaria liniflora'; assents to Davall's new 'Cerinthe'; 'Allium senescens'; agrees with Davall on 'Salsola prostiata' and 'Euphorbia gerardiana'; confusion over 'Crepis virens' and 'Lapsana capillaris'.

Smith writes to Henriette Davall, in French: [description to follow].

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.

Davall is in danger of relapsing and overstraining his eyes: prescribes half an ounce of camphor dissolved in half a pint of rectified spirit of wine for bathing the temples; "an admirable thing for strengthening the eyes". Thanks for packet of plant specimens, 'Ribes petraeum' "surely right". Lady Rockingham sends Davall a large paper copy of his "Icones pictae" and invites him to see her 'Portlandia'; it frequently exhibits fifteen flowers "in full perfection" besides buds. Pleased Davall refused to allow his plates to go to [Jacob] Wyttenbach [for new edition of Albrecht von Haller's "Icones plantarum Helvetiae"]. Thanks for 'Schoenus ferrugineus'. Confirms Davall's order for Sowerby for coloured plates of 'Limodorum' and 'Strelitzia' and drawing of Miss Lee's 'Protea'. Editing a new edition of "Flora Lapponica" for White & Son, shall add new plants and put the trivial names to all, the original plates bought in Holland. Desires Davall's opinion of new number of "English Botany", currently writing it anonymously to gauge reaction but thinks it excels [William] Curtis' "Botanical Magazine" and it may also hurt Curtis' "Flora [Londinensis]" if he does not exert himself.

Alphabetical confirmation and observations on specimens sent by Davall [on 12 November 1790], plants include: 'Allium angulosum', 'Phalaris phleoides', variety of 'Lotus corniculata', 'Selinum palustre', 'Agrostis calamagrostis', 'Arundo epigejos', 'Ribes petraeum', 'Coronulla minima', '[Gnaphalium] orientale', 'Hieracium molle', 'Rosa collina', 'Rosa arvensis', 'Androsaces villosa', 'Androsace lactea', 'Anemone alpina', 'Scirpus caespitosus', and 'Schoneus ferrugineus'.

Numbered observations on specimens sent by Davall in parcel of 27 February 1790, now complete. Will send 'Arundo epigejo' another time. Mislaid 'Saxifraga sedoides' so cannot give opinion.