Itinerary for his tour of the north of England and Scotland collecting grasses for his "Gramina Britannica". Requests specimens of 'Phleum crinitum' and 'Agrostis littoralis'.

Glad Smith has recovered his eye-sight. [James] Sowerby informs him that Smith wishes to discuss 'Agrostis minima'. Explains that having previously agreed that 'Agrostis minima' was monaecious after observation now believes it is a new genus and has placed it next to 'Triticum' under generical name of 'Solea', gives its character and names plant 'Solea monensis'. In Scotland was shown a new species of "Foxtail" by George Don, has described it under 'Alopecurus ovatus' and Don has sent a specimen to Sowerby. Believes it is opposite to the "corollis muticis" Linnaeus applies to 'Alopecurus geniculatus'. His "Gramina Britannica" is nearly finished after having delineated every species himself in almost all instances in its native habitat, "an undertaking of considerable fatigue, and personal danger". Needs only six plants to complete the task, inlcuding 'Phleum crinitum' and 'Agrostis littoralis'. Encloses specimen of 'Polypodium' [extant] gathered from Craig Hallech, Breadalbane mountains in Scotland. In postscript adds he has a specimen of 'Quercus robur' from the only oak in Birnam wood for Mrs Smith, "a classic name in a British ear"; found 'Festuca calamaria' in Derbyshire; saw 'Lysimachia thyrsiflora' in abundance; and found a new habitat for 'Cripipedium' "but must not divulge it, least avarice destroy the plant".

Specimen of 'Polypodium'.

Reassures Smith that [William] Sole did not leave anything abusive towards Smith in his manuscripts [Sole took umbrage at Smith's classification of 'Mentha' in "Flora Britannica"]. Explains that Sole did not know Linnaeus' system and believed that the authority of Jean Johannes Bauhin [(1541-1613)], Caspar Bauhin [(1560-1624)], Sir John Hill [(1714-1775)], [John] Ray and others were sufficient to establish the species and Smith should consider these notes "harmless remarks of a mind cowed by disappointment". Sole's notes now in possession of a friend of Smith's, and one unknown clergyman has already been denied permission to publish them. As Smith plans to dedicate a genus to Sole relinquishes his own intentions for same, if 'Agrostis minima' is to be used suggests substituting 'minima' for another word, hopes [James] Sowerby has delinated it in the same way. Requests ['Agrostis littoralis']. Found a ['Bromus arvensis'] that corresponds exactly with the specimen in [William] Sherard's [(1659-1728)] herbarium and with [Johann Georg Daniel] Leers' [(1727-1774)] and "Scheuatzer's" descriptions, subsequently his representation will differ from that in "English Botany".