Thanks for the "Monachologia", the truth in which must have "extremely enraged" the gentry concerned; reactions of [John] Pitchford, [James] Crowe, and [Robert] Stone [(c 1751-1829), botanist]. [James] Dickson's work on 'Cryptogams' progressing; Sir Joseph Banks is engraving the plates for him; 'Lycoperdon phalloides' is to be included; thinks 'Lycoperdon coliforme' should be; [William] Withering's reasons for not figuring it in his own cryptogamic plant catalogue. Withering thanks Smith for his paper, he knew of Smith from Dr Stokes. Severe frost, which has brought out a great variety of wild fowl, identified with [Thomas] Pennant. New fasciculus published by [Pierre Marie Auguste] Broussonet.

Envies Smith his access to Sir Joseph Banks as he has no library or collections. Promises Lichens.

Sending Smith proofs of first sheet of [William] Withering's work, for Smith's comments; his own opinion; discusses pronunciation and accenting of trivial names; [John] Pitchford will be unimpressed that Withering has not inserted [John] Ray's synonyms. Thanks for 'Ulva umbilicalis'. Received a lichen from Devonshire, where many of the Scottish ones grow.

Lists requests made by his father, [John Hope] for Smith: list of the latest botanical works; list of new genera and species not included in "Supplementum plantarum"; best form of cabinet for a herbarium; copies of Dr [Arthur] Broughton's abridgement of "Flora Anglica", and Hedwig's "Historia muscorum"; and bark of the new 'Cinchona', a 'Carbaea'. Thanks for Smith's list of Scottish plants and habitats, including 'Verbascum massus', 'Eonymus europaeus', 'Polygonum pensylvanicum', 'Adoxa morchalellina', 'Chrysosplenium alternifolium', 'Drosera longifolia', 'Lathrea squamaria'. Lists various plants for Smith to provide habitats for. Asks if Smith is still a Brunonian. A one-day exhibition of air balloons.

Thanks Smith for "the very agreeable" description of the genus 'Monachorum' and praises the purity of the language. The very harsh winter has prevented him from botanising. Concern for the misfortunes of [William] Hudson [his collections were lost in a fire in 1783]. Criticism of writing capabilities of [James] Dickson and his intention to "publishing something new in the Cryptogamian way".

Received Smith's letter from [William] Young; pleased to hear he is still prosecuting his favourite study; Smith's paper to the [Natural History] Society gave great pleasure. He is about to commence his medical studies. Asks if the aquatic lichen he sent Smith has been determined yet; he has found it in great quantities in Lanarkshire growing with 'Tremella verrucosa'.; found 'Tremella nossoc'. Small sketch and description of an unidentified "thing" he recently gathered on the shore [an egg case or mermaid's purse].

Thanks Smith for introduction to Marquis Ippolito Durazzo.

Congratulates Smith on acquisition of the Linnaean collections, "undoubtedly the most valuable that could come into the hands of any naturalist". Presumes Smith will part with some of the collection and retain the herbarium; comments on disposal of rare books, harnessing the value in the manuscripts, and selling off the shell, fish, and insect collections on account of their fragility. Discussed the purchase with Smith's father, who is happy with it and Smith's prudence that it will not interfere with his studies. Warns against Russian roubles.

Congratulates Smith on purchase of the Linnaean collections, which "will be a means of making [Smith] much know". Dined with [Thomas] Woodward and [James] Crowe, latter anxious for Smith not to make any agreements as to disposal of collections before speaking to him. Glad Smith has said the purchase will not interfere with his medical studies, as exclusive study of natural history can only be pursued by those with independent fortunes. Advises Smith to buy the herbarium of the younger Linnaeus if not included in the main purchase, for the duplicates. Will now regard Smith as "a second Linnaeus", though afraid Smith's other pursuits will not enable him to make full use of the collections. Opportunity for correcting Linnaeus' incorrect synonyms in "Species plantarum". Many made unwell by "this cruel winter".

Thanks Smith for the "very judicious and liberal criticisms" he made upon the sheet [probably "A botanical arrangement of British plants" second edition], discusses various aspects of the work, including: difficulties of making the references; accenting of trivial and generic names, in accordance with Smith's opinion; omitted etymology; has made the times of flowering as accurate as possible but unsure how to do same for ripening of seeds and budding of leaves; work proceeding so slowly it will not be ready for publication next year, unless they leave the cryptogams for an additional volume.

If young Linnaeus had lived they had intended to compare the plants with the Linnaean specimens; they now hear the whole collection is coming to England, but they do not know who has acquired it. Will send Smith a copy of the book when printed.

Pleased Smith's purchase of the Linnaean collections will probably exceed his expectations and that he is keeping the greater part; understands that the Professor of Botany at Oxford [John Sibthorp] offered a large sum for the herbarium. Suggests Smith write a "Flora Britannica" by comparing Smith's specimens against Linnaeus'.

Recently moved house. Commissions Smith to purchase the Aberdeen merchant's fossils before leaving London, directions for sending.

Received Smith's letter of 14 October 1783, pleased to find he is not one of "those innumerable multitude of young men who are insensible to religion & virtue", as he feared, and pleased the person who had "the greatest share" in his friendship is of his religion. Pleased Smith is better, he is lucky to clear his pleurisy in Edinburgh climate._x000D_

He is assistant to Eyles Irwin [(1751-1817), Irish poet and writer], who is managing the Tinnevelly district of "the Nabob's countries", assigned to the [East India] Company for five years. Lack of integrity has hurt English name here more than anything. Insists that he has never received a bribe; effect this has on the people in knowing they can receive justice. His pay is "very handsome", and he keeps a palanquin and horse._x000D_

Describes the Tinnevelly weather and country, including floods and fires. Amused at ideas Europeans have of Indians; relates anecdote of a mutiny. Sends love to all his family, and his "charming Sally".

Enquiries about Linnaean collections.

Congratulates Smith on acquisition of Linnaean collections; speculates on their worth. Requests copies of works by Hedwig and [Arthur] Broughton. His growing herbarium. Physical Society laid foundation stone of a new Hall. Smith's Society [Edinburgh Natural History Society] is become "by no means inconsiderable" owing to number of respectable members; anticipating seeing Smith in Edinburgh.

Sends specimens of 'Lycoperdon coliforme', 'Pervia cyathoides', and 'Lycoperdon phalloides' for [John] Pitchford, 'Lobelia urens' for Dr [John] Hope, and 'Lichen vulpinus' and a grass; observations and habitats. Reminds Smith of various promises regarding acquisition of mineralogy specimens and books in London.

Thanks for catalogue of fossils and minerals [from the London "fossilist"]; queries and places orders for several items. Hopes the specimen of 'Lycoperdon coliforme' he sent was useful; will gather more information before Smith presents it to the "Edinburgh society". Fears a parcel of specimens he sent to Norwich is lost. Examined 'Liquidambar styraciflua' but found no gum. Details of Smith's payment for [Richard Relhan's] "Flora [Cantabrigiensis]".

Annotation at head of of recto of first folio on "mountain green" and "iron with arsenic" [presumably in reference to Woodward's mineralogy specimens]

General regret at Dr Lubbock's departure from Edinburgh. Account of botanical expedition to Ben Lomond in the autumn, previously undertaken with Smith and Hardy, lists plants found, including: 'Lythrum salicaria', 'Lysimachia vulgaris', 'Sedum rubens', 'Telephium', 'Convolvulus sepium', 'Malva moschata', 'Scirpus maritimus', 'Ruppia maritima', 'Lobelia dortmanna', 'Isoetis sacustris', and bark of 'Osmunda regalis'. Asks if Smith has ascended the highest English mountain, in "Yorkshire", as he intended. Comments on 'Cynosurus caerulens'. Comments on the "pompous" Dr Samuel Ferries, who has moved to London from Scotland.

Thanks for Hedwig and Broughton books, specimens of British plants, information on a cabinet for dried plants, and list of botanical books. List of books to be purchased for University Library, including: [William] Curtis' "Flora Londinensis", [Nikolaus von] Jacquin's "Flora Austriaca", "Icones plantare rariorum", and "Miscellanea Austriaca", [Casimir Christoph] Schmidel's "Dissertationes botanices", [Anders] Retzius' "Fasciculus observationum botanicarum", and Meerberg's "Icones Ludg. Bat.".

Count Castigliani of Milan.

Disappointed to not be seeing Smith in Edinburgh this winter. [William] Younge "storms & rages" at Smith's change of plans. Arrival of frost and snow here disrupting cryptogamic studies; difficulties of studying such plants. Account of Dr Walker's autumn botanical expedition to Ben Lomond, found 'Anthericum calyculatum', 'Dryas octopetala', 'Scutellaria minor' and 'S. galericulata'. Asks if Smith is acquainted with Dr Parsons. Hardy and Ainslie are competitors for a vacant professorship at Oxford or Cambridge.

[Note by John Hope at bottom of verso of second folio] comments on 'Gentiana' root of the shops, said to be root of a cultivated plant.