Received Smith's letter of 24 [November 1819]; pleased to find he has discovered a new natural history fact, even if "so little interest as the duration of a moss". Offers to send specimen of 'Vaucharia humata' in spring, which he published as a British specimen in June last.

Discusses recent developments in classification and nomenclature with reference to [Alexander von] Humboldt, Persoon, and De Beauvois. Discusses genus 'Buxbaumia' and discovery by [Robert] Brown regarding leaves on the bulb, with reference to [William Jackson] Hooker, Sir Joseph Banks, and Micheli. Has been studying the Acharian method for three years but unsatisfied regarding synonyms of compound terms, discussion of this. Discussion regarding how to unify the fungi systems of [James] Sowerby and [Christiaan Hendrik] Persoon. Encloses "trivial collection of mosses". Edinburgh has been "plunged" into a "botanical lethargy" for some time. Offers to acquire any Scottish plants for Smith.

[Spec 26 written in pencil at head of verso of first folio]

Informs Smith of death of [Thomas] Reynolds, a member of Linnean Society Council; necessary to fill the position within 3 months. Currently 6 vacancies on FMLS list, following deaths of [Erik] Acharius and [Christiaan Hendrik] Persoon; encloses nomination certificate for Lamarck, hopes both he and [José Antonio] Pavon will be elected this time.

Macleay's letter of 17 [December 1819] "but a melancholy necrology"; sorry to hear of [Erik] Acharius, but fears [Christiaan Hendrik] Persoon was in uncomfortable circumstances and had faults, "somewhat in the [Frederick] Pursh [(1774-1820), botanist] style", which made him reluctant to be "his introducer here" had he come to England as he once discussed. Arrangements for Lamarck's and [José Antonio] Pavon's FMLS certificates. Laments death of [Thomas] Reynolds. Asks after Macleay's daughter, has learned "never to despair of young people".

Comments on death of [Thomas] Marsham; asks if they can give "any favourable acc[oun]t to the [Linnean] Society".

Thanks for turkey and parcel of Nepal mosses. Deaths of [Erik] Acharius, [Christiaan] Persoon, and [Daniel Rutherford], professor of botany at Edinburgh; understands it is a government appointment and already filled, though it would suit Smith.

Has prepared the entire correspondence of Linnaeus and [John] Ellis [(1710-1776)] for the press, as well as [Daniel] Solander's letters to Ellis, [Peter] Collinson's [(1694-1768)], [José Celestino Bruno] Mutis' [(1732-1808)] from South America, and almost finished with Dr [Alexander] Garden's [(1730-1792)]. Asks to borrow Nichols' "Literary Illustrations" vol 1. Will prepare a short biographical memoir for each persons' letters, and will send a fragment of each hand for engraving. Thoughts on arrangement of volume. Expects to be in Liverpool from April till 20 May.