He has just finished 'Mammalia' for his ["Animal biography"], his present authorities are Gmelin's "Systema naturae", [Thomas] Pennant's "British Zoology", Pennant's "Synopsis of Quadrupeds", and [George] Shaw's "Arctic Zoology"._x000D_

Has chosen title "Sketches of Nature, descriptive principally of the Economy of the animal and vegetable kingdoms", manuscripts now in London._x000D_

Transcription of specimen passages for his "Synopsis of British Zoology", for criticism [2 pp]._x000D_

Intends to visit North Wales again, prior to publication of second edition of his tour; expects to receive assistance from [Hugh] Davies, and would like to access Pennant's papers; will send [James] Sowerby rare plants.

Sends specimen pages of the manuscript for his new 4 volume work on Natural History, for Smith's opinion; the "tribunal of the public is a somewhat awful one to young writers". The arrangements principally adopted from Gmelin's ["Systema naturae"], [George] Shaw's "General Zoology", and [John] Latham's "Synopsis [of birds]"

Thanks for Smith's criticisms and approval of his manuscript; his intention for it not to claim attention but to be useful. Altered the section on bats following Smith's comment that he had made free with [George] Shaw's work. Preparing second edition of his Welsh tour; spent four months there this summer; intends to include sketch of [Thomas] Pennant's life in style of anecdote, which seems to lay "the greatest hold on the attention of the public".