Account of his and Charles' [nephew of Smith's] excursion to Sunninghill, [Berkshire, home of Smith's Kindersley cousins]; a violent storm with hail, which they collected for iced water; visited Mr Barclay's grand house, including stoves and botanic gardens; searched in vain for tomb or memorial of his uncle Ireland in Reigate, [Surrey], church, the sexton had known his uncle and knew of the "incestuous anecdote". Everyone praises his improved looks and colour. Looked at carpet patterns; his opinion. Sitting for last time for [Francis Leggatt] Chantrey [(1781-1841), sculptor] tomorrow.

[Letter incomplete: folio[s] missing or destroyed, fragment of second folio pasted to end of recto of folio]

Sends roots of the "new everlasting pea" 'Lathyrus grandiflorus'. Compliments to Sir Thomas [Gery Cullum].

Thanks for Yates' letter of 29 March 1825, no longer sure of where Yates is living but hopes this gets to Liverpool, [Lancashire], free. Thinks Yates' 'Linum' is 'L. arboreum'; observations. Read account of Dr [Samuel] Parr's [(1747-1825), schoolmaster] funeral "with very great pleasure", presumes it is Yates' own composition. Returns a letter; believes the item Yates saw is a "Chinese device for reckoning" but was unable to consult Mr Donce at Kensington about it. Admired Yates' friend [Howard] Ryland "very much", saw his uncle in Bristol and London in 1825. Going on with fourth volume of "English flora", which all his time this spring is devoted to.

Looking over Roscoe's "great work" ["Mondandrian Plants"] with a botanical friend; very satisfied with it and eager to see all his species of 'Costus', which has previously been in complete disorder. No 'Amomum' amongst [Francis] Hamilton's drawings and collections; made use of own little-known ones in "Supplementum" to Rees' "Cyclopedia".

Unable to accept [Thomas William] Coke's recent invitation to Holkham, [Norfolk], as he needs to finish his "[English] Flora"; cannot write letters or attend to other people's concerns, either. Hopes to see Roscoe at Holkham and Norwich before winter sets in; already suffering from rheumatism. Suggests very great heat, drought, or starvation for 'Amomum granum paradisi' to flower.

Comments on how difficult he finds it "to be allowed to mind [his] own business", but concedes difficulty as he works "so much for the publick". Approves of Sowerby's "Life" of his father [James Sowerby], though doubts whether it is proper for the public. He is ill with catarrh, pulmonary inflammation, and weak stomach. Can have no communication with Mr G Leathes and has nothing to say on his plant. Considers the call for Sowerby's accounts respecting "Flora Graeca" a most "impertinent inquistion", "what a curse is law in this country".