Attended two Linnean Society meetings with [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert in chair. Attended Horticultural Society anniversary meeting but few members attended as they were electing new officers; a breakfast and general display of flowers and fruit is being held at Chiswick on 30th June. Davies Gilbert in chair at Royal Society meeting last night, after the readings they now retire to the library for tea and to view specimens of nature or art laid on a table. Bishop of Carlisle [Samuel Goodenough] at Linnean Club at Thatched House Tavern, alarmed by how ill he looks.

Lady Cullum never free from her "teazing fever", though she has been treated by Dr [Pelham] Warren [(1778-1835)] and Sir Henry Halford [(1766-1844)]. Was not at the [Horticultual Society's] disastrous public breakfast in Chiswick; it was left to one man to provide an afternoon breakfast for 3000 people. Intends to return to London shortly. Death of Bishop of Carlisle [Samuel Goodenough]. Informed that his old schoolfellow Mr Baker of Portland Place and Orsett, Essex, has left his wife £15,000 per year, her name was Trafford. Purchased account given by committee of the intended London University, notes that William Jackson Hooker is appointed lecturer in Botany and Vegetable Physiology.

Laments death of Bishop of Carlisle [Samuel Goodenough]; [John] Latham and himself now the only surviving original members of the Linnean Society. Has not come to London this year as suffering from severe rheumatism in the same eye that suffered from erysipelas twenty-five years ago; asks Cullum to consult Mr Alexander for him. Recently received from Kent the true Swiss 'Ophrys arachnites' figured in [Albrecht von] Haller [(1708-1777), Swiss botanist].

Consulted Mr Alexander on Smith's behalf for his eye complaint, he prescribes the "narcotic fomentation". Received letter from [John] Latham that he is to produce an index for his ["A general history of birds"]. Laments death of Bishop of Carlisle [Samuel Goodenough].

[Note in Smith's hand detailing his reply of 10 September] enquiring of Mr Alexander if he can apply "camph. sp. of wine as heretofore, with cold water afterwards" to his rheumatic eye.

Thanks Cullum for consulting Mr Alexander for his eye affliction, gives further details of the symptoms. Alexander's prescription has provided no relief, asks Alexander whether he can resort to his usual practice of bathing the bad eyelid and temple with camphorated spirit of wine and cold water, and if he would recommend a blister on the temple or behind the ear.

Mr Alexander has left London for a fortnight so he could not consult him further for Smith's eye complaint.

Glad to hear that Smith attended the musical festival at Norwich. Does not think Mr Alexander's hurried advice could have done Smith's eye much benefit. Lady Cullum visited Mrs [Catherine] Lambert in London, she is confined to bed having lost the use of one side of her body and [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert is in Wiltshire and attended the annual meeting of "literati" at Sir [Richard] Colt Hoare's. Attended Horticultural Society meeting; there were numerous apples and pears and a "magnificent" number of species and varietites of 'Dahlia', and in Covent Garden market Coe's plum or the golden drop are selling three shillings a dozen. London weather prevented him from going to the Chiswick garden. [John] Latham publishing an index to his "General History of Birds". Bishop of Carlisle [Samuel Goodenough's] death gave him much cause for concern, and shocked at how few members of the Linnean Society from 1788 and 1789 are still alive.

In footnote Mary Cullum sends her good wishes to the Smiths.

Pleased by the visit of Smith's relation, Frederick Smith. [Thomas] Lister Parker [(1779-1858), antiquary] visited and mentioned the "great pine", believes branches and cones have been sent to [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert. Wishes her husband [Sir James Edward Smith] and himself had been young and well enough to attend first meetings of the season of the Horticultural, Linnean, and Royal Societies. His son and family are to winter at Nice but concerned that from [Thomas] Martyn's report of the weather in Nice in his "Tour through Italy" (1787) it will not help the ill Mrs Cullum. Returns basket with young pheasant.