[Thomas] Marsham agrees with Smith that [John] Symmons is the "fittest man" for Linnean Society's new vice-president, but he [Macleay] is sorry "none more fit can be found"; Symmons has scarcely attended for several years and "his object in attending since the death of poor Dryander is too evident to require any notice", but he cannot think of any better candidate, considering Lord Valentia's [George Annesley] absences; concerned Symmons will not be agreeable to the other vice-presidents.

Impossible to find one single person to fill all the roles [Jonas] Dryander performed, especially someone with knowledge of all Sir Joseph Banks' collections. Proposes [Thomas] Marsham as Dryander's replacement for vice-president of the Linnean Society, citing example of the Royal Society Treasurer who is always a vice-president. Thinks Smith's choice of [John] Symmons unsuitable as he has discontinued his attendance at the Linnean Society for years and no longer has a strong interest in natural history. Believes Marsham expects to be appointed.

Resolved a dispute between [William Elford] Leach and [William] Bullock [(fl 1790s-1840s)] at the Linnean Society, in part by giving a sketch of the origin of the Society, owing its stability to "never admitting society hunters, but only practical men who would have an interest in its welfare". One party wanted to propose a vote of censure and put it to the ballot on the same night, "quite illegal". The matter was settled after Leach wrote a letter of apology.

Clarifies that [Thomas] Marsham has not positively said he wants the appointment of vice-president of Linnean Society; Goodenough has only inferred that he wants it. States Marsham's qualities for the position against [John] Symmons' unsuitability. Possible attack of gout coming on. The King [George III (1738-1820)] is getting better and had "no alientation of mind" for the greatest part of the week. Considers the King a personal friend after he took the whole responibility of Goodenough's appointment as Bishop of Carlisle.

Sending plants; 'Icones inedita'; accounts; Miss Watson has sent specimens of the 'Meum'.

Requests Smith's assistance in finding a builder to rebuild the Parsonage House at his friend's Rev Trivett's new living near Yarmouth, Norfolk. Recalls seeing 'Mespilus germanica' in Sussex, compares it to figures in several works and concludes that the one in "English Botany" is a cultivated variety. Asks why [Thomas] Martyn has not been mentioned in "Hortus Kewensis" as the publisher of [Philip] Miller's "Gardener's Dictionary". [James] Donn [(1758-1813) gardener] is publishing another edition of "Hortus Cantabrigiensis".

Introduces Baron Ch[ristian] von Vietinghoff, who wishes to become FMLS. He has created a catalogue of the plants of the Moscow Botanic Garden; had diploma of their Moscow Society sent to Smith some time ago; planning a new edition of his "Flora Germaniae", requests most recent issues of "English botany".

Thanks for turkey, the "chief decoration of our Christmas dinner". [Robert] Brown engaged on "Hortus Kewensis". Lady Banks is better, and Banks' gout medicine continues to work, although [Samuel] Goodenough refuses to take it.