Thanks for specimen of 'Lichen aurantiacus' sent by [James] Dickson, asks if [William] Hudson acknowledges it as his 'L. flavo-rubescens', requests to see his 'L. ferrugineus'. Plants found by Dickson in Norfolk: 'Selinum palustre', 'Litorella lacustris' discussion of latter. Hudson thinks [Thomas] Woodward's new 'Lycoperdon' is an imperfect 'Agaricus procerus'. Encloses specimen of [Henry] Bryant's Cossey plant, believes it 'Jungermannia pinguis'; observations.

Notes for Smith to transmit to Hudson on specimens he sent Hudson for determination, including: 'Agaricus dubius', 'Boletus suaveoleus', and others.

["Spec 19" written in pencil at top of verso of first folio]

His botanising is limited to the "rude mountains" of his locale and mists have made the season unfavourable to Highland botanists. Will pass through London on his way to East Indies this summer. Studying Persian in Edinburgh in a month; intends to send Smith "some small fruit of [his] botanical labours". Hopes Smith has received a copy of his thesis. Smith's opinion of 'Lichen gelidus' well founded; hopes to send specimens but difficult to procure. The moss he thought to be a 'Splachnum' may be 'Bryum capsulis nutantibus' and the 'Lichen caeruleo-nigricans' appears doubtful, believes it may be a variety of 'Lichen calcarius'. Sending specimens of [William] Hudson's 'Helvella plana' and a similar fungus. Will give Smith the [Robert] Morison book before leaving for the Indies.

Will send a parcel once he receives instructions from Smith. Encloses '[Hypnum] proliferum' in fructification. Offers to send the 'verticillatum' of [John] Lightfoot; believes his attribution is wrong as it totally differs from those of Linnaeus and [William] Hudson. Similarly, Dr [John] Walker [(1731-1803) professor of natural history] showed that Lightfoot's 'Salix arenaria' is Linnaeus' 'Salix fusca', from specimens of [Daniel] Solander's. Offers to send Smith '[Ptilium] crista-castrensis'. Has found '[Sphagnum] palustre' and a 'Boletus' with a "delightful smell" he believes to be the 'suaveolens' of Linnaeus ['Trametes suaveolens'], Lightfoot describes one under the same name but with no odour. The society [Natural History Society, Edinburgh] "rather low" but has received a great addition in Mr Alexander. Hopes to submit a paper soon.

Thanks for gift of Litmus and Stalactites. Pleased to hear Smith has kept his health and become strong since leaving Edinburgh.

Received Smith's letter of 4 [January 1784]. Apologises for tone of his last letter, which he knew would give Smith pain, but felt compelled to write it for love of his family [on purchase of the Linnaean collections]. Believes it is out the reach of their abilities to attain the collections, especially considering the "no small non-inelegant house" required to house them, and the claims of the rest of his children. Pleased that Smith has consulted Dr Pictairn and other "judicious friends"on value.

Thanks for seeds. He was lucky to get copy of Linnaeus' "Supplementum plantarum"; wishes he could get Hedwig's "De Muscis"; impatient to see Linnaeus' "Amoenitates academicae" vol 8, though he admires Linnaeus more as a naturalist and systematist than philosopher. Laments death of the younger Linnaeus, "a severe blow to the progress of Botany & Zoology". Wishes to see [William] Aiton [(1731-1793), director Kew Gardens 1759-1793] "Hortus Kewensis". Thanks for Smith's attentions to his desiderata. Requests advice and information from London hospitals on improving hospitals here.

Has been waiting for a letter from Smith. Fears Smith will only be able to continue his botanical studies in London by studying herbariums. Concerned to hear of a dispute at the Royal Society between Sir Joseph Banks and Mr Hutton. [William] Younge now President of the Edinburgh Natural History Society. Asks if Smith made a catalogue of the plants he collected from around Edinburgh; difficulties of collecting.

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.

Enjoyed his time in London with [Robert] Batty who now thinks of setting up as a surgeon and apothecary. Broussonet has been appointed professor of oeconomy at Paris and is working on a "Flora Monspeliaca". Returned [William] Withering's proofs, with comments.

His purchase of the Linnaean library and collections for 900 guineas; lists the contents, being everything owned by both Linnaeuses [Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778), and Carl Linnaeus the Younger (1741-1783)], excepting the fossils of the elder which are given to the University of Upsal. Describes his luck of being friends with the man who was employed to negotiate a sale to Sir Joseph Banks. Estimates its value and ability to return. Intends to return to Edinburgh next winter.

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".