Received Smith's parcel; very pleased with second faciculus [of "Icones pictae"], particularly figures of 'Justicia', 'Tradescantia', 'Oxalis', 'Sisyrinchium', 'Hydrangea', and 'Ligusticum', the "most desirable of the whole", though it will be criticised for not being an "exotic plant" and for lacking any "picturesque charms"; praises Latin and English descriptions and points out errors.

Suspects one of the reviewers of "Linnean Transactions" was Professor [Thomas] Martyn. Further praise of Smith's "Introductory discourse", including from Mr Zouch, who was convinced to become a FLS after hearing it; discusses Smith's writing style. Discusses other reviews of the volume, including one which hopes never to see "new plants introduced, without scientific specific differences annexed"; a "very good" caution to them. An addition for his 'Lycoperdon' paper. Prevented from attending Linnean Society anniversary meeting. Wishes François [Borone] was looking for 'Fucus' specimens during his voyage and on coast of Africa [botanical expedition to Sierra Leone with Adam Afzelius]. Gives various hints and recommendations on gaining advantage from working with the Queen [Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz (1744-1818)] so she does not presume that the honour alone is sufficient payment. Recently acquired Hoffman's ["Historia Salicum iconibus illustrata"]; looks a good work, as does his "Plantae lichenosae".

Confirms he will not be attending Linnean Society anniversary meeting. [Robert] Stone [(c 1751-1829), botanist] severely ill with gout in his stomach but now recovered; he had thought of quitting the Linnean Society but now does not. Recommends [David Elisha] Davy of Yoxford, [Suffolk], who is to visit London, "a very diligent young botanist" who intends to join the Linnean Society once he knows more of the science.

Alarmed to hear that Smith is in Matlock for his health; asks after it another work he had due out. His opinion of "Flora Lapponica". Sir Thomas Cullum received legacy of £5000 from his brother-in-law, Mr Palmer, making him much more comfortable; recipients of the remainder.

'Ophrys anthropophora' and 'O. nidus-avis' recently found in abundance near Bury, [Suffolk], and 'Ornithogalum pyrenaicum' wild near Yoxford, Suffolk. Asks Smith's opinion of Hoffmann's "Plantae lichenosae" and "Salices" [see RelatedMaterial below]. His account with Smith.

Pleased to hear of Smith's recovery; hopes he enjoys a leisurely stay in Norwich, [Norfolk]; believes the solitariness and bad weather on his first arrival in Matlock brought on attack on his lungs. Bad summer in Suffolk, with a short crop that is causing talk of extravagant prices in the winter. Knows Cromford Moor well but unaware of lichens the last time he was there. Struggled to find fly orchids this year but there are luxuriant bee orchids.

Admired Dr [Erasmus] Darwin's last publication of his "elegant poem", further opinions; visited him in 1781; he and Sir Brooke Boothby [7th baronet, (1744-1824), poet and writer] will be "capital additions" to Linnean Society. Favell mutually pleased with Smith. Has specimen of 'Ornithogalum' for Smith but it does not appear to be 'O. pyrenaicum' or 'O. umbellatum'. Encloses single flower from plant in Sir John Rous' [1st Earl of Stradbroke (1750-1827), politician] garden grown from East India seed, labelled 'Abrus' but evidentally a mistake; observations.

Asks if White has the letterpress to Bulliard's "Histoire des champignons"; has still not received the remaining plates from L'Héritier. Understands Smith is to return to Frogmore to continue work on [John] Lightfoot's herbarium, now the Queen's [Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz (1744-1818)].

Received castor oil on same day as Smith's letter [of 31 October 1792]. Hopes Smith has found a way of "decently conveying" his zoology lectures to the Queen's [Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz (1744-1818)] and Princesses without having "shocked their delicacy". Asks whether his short paper on 'Fucus dasyphyllus' has been read at Linnean Society and whether it will be added to his other two species in "Linnean Transactions" vol 2.

[Samuel] Goodenough is ill with rheumatism or rheumatic gout, they both want to know what the 'Fucus palmotta' Smith received from Sir Thomas Frankland is; asks Smith to compare Linnaean herbarium specimens of 'Fucus foeniculaceus', 'F. abrotanifolius', and 'F. furcellatus' against Gmelin's and [William] Hudson's 'F. concatenatus', and 'F. rotundus'. Reminds Smith of his promise to look over his Scottish plants for 'Fucus inflatus' and 'F. furcellatus' for Goodenough.

Certificate signed by himself and Sir Thomas Cullum nominating [William] Mathew, of Bury, [Suffolk], who has sent rare plants to [James] Sowerby. Approves of enlargement of "English botany"; prefers 6 plates at 2s 6d to 3 at 1s, it will increase sales. Wishes he could get specimens of [James] Dickson's "curious" Scottish plants; wishes 'Linnaea borealis' could be found, as although it grows in "curious gardens" the name is a "most desirable addition to the British flora".

Hopes Smith will be rewarded for his lectures at Frogmore [to the Queen and Princesses], as he has "empty praise enough from the literary world". Leaves the setting of 'Woodwardia' entirely to Smith, though worries Smith will be censured for bestowing more honour than his botanical labours deserve.

Discusses 'Fucus abrotanifolius' and the various specimens of it, in detail. Obstructions of certain people in bookseller chain regarding increase of price of "English botany". [Edward] Donovan's [(1768-1837), natural historian] book on insects "very neat", but unsure of its worth as its main authority is [John] Berkenhout [(1726-1791), physician and naturalist], "a very suspicious authority".

Asks after new numbers of "Icones pictae" and "Spicilegium botanicum". Approves of enlarged "English botany" [from 3 to 6 plates per number], thinks it will increase sales amongst botanists though the number ordered for Bungay has fallen from 5 to 2, previously bought "as pretty pictures".

Expects to hear from [Samuel] Goodenough on 'Fucus palmetta' following his examination of the Linnaean and Sir Thomas Frankland's specimens, asks Smith's opinion of the Cromer 'Fucus' resembling 'F. furcellatus' and Gmelin's 'F. rotundus'. [William] Withering at Lisbon; he had been extremely ill with pulmonary complaints but recovered; happy to hear Smith has approved Withering's 'Agaric' species but the 'Fucus' are a bad copy of [William] Hudson's and thinks Velley should have helped him better.

Discusses origin of turkeys in Europe. Unable to find verse version of the "City & Country Mouse" story. Warns Smith not to fall in love with Princess Elizabeth [(1770-1840), daughter of George III]; rumoured that Dr J Willis did and thought it reciprocal; finds it odd that she, who is "least handsome", has been "most admired"; rumoured that Smith's sister was offered Miss [Fanny] Burney's [(1752-1840), novelist and Second Keeper of the Robes to the Queen] place but refused it. Asks how Smith is to publish his ferns.

Thanks for Bulliard's plates ["Histoire des champignons"]; comments on contents, including 'Clathus cancellatus' and 'Lycoperdon stellatum', which resembles his 'L. recolligens'. His fears that the "present horrible state of France would have put all literature out of the question" have not been realised. Wishes to know L'Héritier's role as a politician, believes he initially took an active part. Shocked by "murder of poor Louis" [Louis XVI (1774-1792), King of France], though it is a mercy for him considering his "uncertain situation". Sees no point in going to war and believes the country is averse to it, regardless of what ministers say.

Unable to provide Miss [Sarah Sophia] Banks [(1744-1818)] with Bungay tradesmen's halfpence as they were not produced on account of high cost. Thanks for lichen and 'Convallaria verticillata' specimens; has Smith's specimen of 'Pyrola uniflora' from Mount Cenis. Hopes to see Miss Lane's drawing of Smith at the exhibition in town; admires her drawing of Smith's eldest sister. Discusses further issues of Bulliard's plates, longs to see L'Héritier's "Geranium".

Requests Smith to add note to his account of 'Lycoperdon recolligens' [from paper on 'Lycoperdon'] to take in information from Bulliard. Does not expect to be at expense for the "Zoology & Botany of New Holland".

[Letter incomplete: lower half of second folio cropped, text immediately following interruption suggests this was the note on 'Lycoperdon recolligens']

Details of his journey and pending visit to London. Expects [Charles] Bryant [(d 1799)] to be "very angry" on reading his paper [on 'Lycoperdons'], expects an attack in the "Gentleman's Magazine". Saw the attack on Smith's 'Geranium lucidum' of "English botany" in "Gentleman's Magazine"; unsure who the author is and attempts to apologise for him. Approves of "English botany" including cryptogams but warns against figuring too many for fear of "disgusting the florists & the ladies". Hopes to send [James] Sowerby 'Cineraria palustris' and others from Yarmouth; doubts whether the drawing of 'Agaric' is the 'Clypeolarias' of Bulliard, as [William] Withering refers to it. Visits from Sir John Rous [1st Earl of Stradbroke (1750-1827), politician] who grows exotic trees in his plantations, does not study them scientifically but knows their names in "Hortus Kewensis".

Thanks for Smith's hospitality in London. Details of his return journey via Huntingdonshire, including Ripton, Huntingdon, and Bury, where he dined with Sir Thomas Cullum and saw 'Holosteum umbellatum' adorning several thatched houses and 'Vicia lathyroides' near the town. At Cambridge saw 'Arabis turrita' on walls of St John's College. Will shortly be at Yarmouth, [Norfolk], from whence he will send [James] Sowerby 'Cinceraria palustris' and 'Convolvulus soldanella'. At Cambridge found [Richard] Relhan "quite crazy"about the "conjuror of Chalgravis" fern, inserted in appendix to "Flora Cantabrigiensis" under name of 'Acidium from Maller's "Systema"; observations including discussion of letter by Sir Joseph Banks on subject.

Urges Smith to contrive a way to visit him at Bungay. Glad Smith met [Dawson] Turner at Yarmouth, [Norfolk]; a "very clever young man [who] will make an excellent botanist"; comments on Lilly Wigg's appearance [(1749-1828), botanist]. Dry weather spoiled the 'Stratiotes' he promised [James] Sowerby. Suffered a strong "fever fit" for several hours last night.

Sends 'Orobanche ramosa' to [James] Sowerby after rediscovering it, only previously figured in "Hortus Romanus". Recovering from fever prevalent in this area. Asks after Smith's activities in East Anglia. Eager to see "Natural History of New Holland". [David Elisha] Davy of Yoxford, [Norfolk], to send Smith specimen of a 'Linum', the same as his 'L. angustifolium' but for Smith to determine whether it is that of Linnaeus'; observations. Sending certificate nominating Davy as a FLS; favoruably compares his botanical skills to those "nomenclators" who memorise names and think it makes them a botanist. Comments on a review in the "Monthly Review" of a work of Smith's and points out errors in review.

Asks if Smith has heard from François [Borone] by the ship just arrived from Sierra Leone; thinks the bad news come from there is from "some warm friend of the slave trade". Notes for Sowerby on drawing the 'Orobanche ramosa'; also sending 'Hieracium umbellatum', 'Epilobium montanum', 'Picris echioides', 'Hedypnois hieracioides' [William] Hudson, 'Achillea ptarmica', all from Bath Hills, and fruit of 'Crataegus torminalis' and 'Rhamnus frangula' of which flowers and foliage sent some time since.

Thanks for "[Botany of] New Holland" and specimens; glad to hear a second fasciculus is printing and a third "Icones [pictae]" will appear. Hopes death of Smith's brother, Richard, was natural, though knowing his situation and "perverseness" had his doubts and fears. Envies Smith his visit to Dr [Nichola] Gwyn in Ipswich, [Suffolk], and Harwich, [Essex]; finding of a 'Mentha' a "very capital discovery", should figure in "English botany", will inform [John] Pitchford, though doubts he will get through his mints. Gave [David Elisha] Davy Smith's specimen of 'Satyrium', as requested, does not grow near Bungay. Glad to see 'Linum tenuifolium'; distinct from their plant and specimens of wild 'L. angustifolium'.

Agrees to [Edmund] Davall's proposal to exchange specimens. Glad to hear of safe return of [Adam] Afzelius and François [Borone]. Has been studying 'Fucus abrotanifolius', 'F. foeniculaceus', and 'F. concatenatus'; detailed observations of each and character descripton of 'F. abrotanifolius'. Heard Smith is visiting Lady Rockingham and other botanical friends before returning to Frogmore [lecturing the Queen and Princesses]. Sends specimen of unknown plant picked at Lowestoft, [Suffolk] [Smith has annotated 'Spergula nodosa'].

Thanks for parcel and "Icones [pictae]"; spirit of the work "seems well kept up". Discusses Linnaeus' classification of 'Fucus foeniculaceus' and 'F. abrotanifolius' in his publications; his and [Samuel] Goodenough's paper on the subject; requests to see the Linnaean specimens. Received message and packet of grass seeds from [Edmund] Davall via Mr Forster, brother of the master of Norwich school. Requests a Sierra Leone penny for Mrs Woodward's collection. Requests Smith's to bring his "Tour" and "Linnean Transactions" vol 2.

List of queries for Smith to resolve if he cannot bring the Linnaean 'Fucus' specimens [annotated "sic in HL" by Smith].

Sorry Smith will not be visiting during his stay in Norfolk, but consoled by promise of summer visit. Laments death of Smith's brother, Richard, "a strong proof, how little great abilities & splendid genius avail, when not under the guidance of judgement, & how dangerous it is for a young man to give away to habits of indolence & inactivity". Admires Smith's "Tour", especially the preface, and thinks they must be "highly entertaining to a general reader", and of special interest to naturalists; problems with the copy; intends to order it in for his book club. Asks after separation of the "Natural History of New Holland" into botany and zoology volumes.

Received letter from [Samuel] Goodenough, who is in "great distress" over a fever at his school which has killed Mr Egereton, only son of Lord [Thomas] Grey de Wilton [1st Earl of Wilton (1749-1814)]; Smith had previously pronounced the boy "short lived". Sends sample of his and Goodenough's paper on 'Fucus'; their plan and comments. Notes on 'Ulva diaphara' of [William] Hudson's he has found.

[In Smith's hand at top of verso of first folio] Notes on 'Fucus capreolatus' Banks Herbarium being 'F. pinnatus' of Hudson.

Read Smith's "Tour"; never met with a book of the kind "so interesting & entertaining"; agreed with all of Smith's politics and has never seen the liberal passage of vol 3 p.145 [on "power combined with cruelty"] exceeded by any author. Examined punctuation of "Hortus Kewensis" and compared it with "Philosophia botanica", with which it "accurately agrees", but cannot approve it as it is contrary to all other authors and rules of punctuation, and cannot understand for what reason Linnaeus would invert the order of the comma and colon. Requests Sierra Leone coins.

Reassures Smith that he reads all of his works. A "moderate person" could not find fault with politics of Smith's "Tour"; surprised at [Thomas] Marsham's violent criticism. Relieved to hear of [Samuel] Goodenough from Smith; their work together on 'Fucus'. Received a proposal for publishing a "Life of Linnaeus", to be dedicated to Linnean Society and written by [Joseph] Trapp; his concerns. Asks Smith to procure Sierra Leone coins from [Adam] Afzelius. Received call from Smith's brother, John.

Reread Smith's "Tour"; his criticisms, intended for use in a second edition. Picks out particular points for praise over two pages, remaining two pages contain corrections, additions, and substitutions.

Smith's "Tour" "highly spoken of" in both the "Analytical Review" and "British Critic Review", the former speaking more advantageously of it, his comment that an attack on [Samuel] Johnson [(1709-1784), writer] and [Edmund] Burke [(1730-1797), politician] would be considered "little short of treason" is true. Requests Smith and [Samuel] Goodenough to examine 'Fucus elongatus' Linnaeus, for their paper on the genus; his own observations. Sent Goodenough probable specimen of 'Fucus corallinus' of "Flora Danica", though he believes it is a variety of 'F. parpucascens'.

Concerned at fate of letters he sent to Smith and [Samuel] Goodenough under direction of [Thomas] Marsham. Received from [Lilly] Wigg [(1749-1828), botanist] a curious new 'Ulva' from the Mediterranean, like 'Fucus lorens'.