Progress of his work; vindicates Linnaeus.

Responds to Davall's five letters [of 11 February 1791] and remarks further on plants sent by Davall on which their opinions differ. Thinks that Davall should either confide the Latin of his book to [Jacob] Wyttenbach, send his manuscript to [Samuel] Goodenough or himself, or communicate his findings in English to Linnean Society for second volume of "Linnean Transactions", so long as it appears in some form or other. Does not know 'Psora testacca' but Davall should keep it for his own work, as he would rather quote it from that to save himself trouble.

Thanks for Linnean Society diploma. Has a professorship and is Court Physician to the Duke, has little time for natural history. Flora of Courland does not exceed 700 plants of which there are few rare ones although the fauna is more interesting, especially migratory birds nesting in the forests and swamps. Description of the country, including geology and agriculture. Requests seeds of unspecified trees, shrubs and plants and any useful German publications that Smith would know from Sir Joseph Banks extensive channel of works and periodical papers.

No summary available.

Sends £20 for [James] Sowerby to pay for plates, "Florists Delight", and "English Botany". Discusses 'Lachenalia mediana', 'Lachenalia pallida' and 'Hyacinthus orchidioides' with reference to [Nikolaus von] Jacquin's "Icones plantarum rariorum" and [William Aiton's] "Hortus Kewensis". Received visit from [Joseph von] Jacquin who criticised [Albrecht von] Haller [(1758-1823)] and [Jacob] Wyttenbach's "premature" proposal [for new edition of elder Haller's "Icones plantarum Helvetiae"] and thinks this may be why they gave it up. Jacquin also provided introduction to [Carlo] Allioni and had not heard of Smith's intended "Systema Vegetabilium", thinks Jacquin "a good young man" but the botanical chair of Vienna "thirsts for preeminence". Will endeavour to repair relations with [William] Aiton [(1731-1793)]. Has moved earth for 3-4,000 pots, fears his health will be ruined before garden comes to fruition. Intends to send 'Carex tomentosa' grown from root, and intends to grow 'Schoenus ferrugineus'.

Sending plants for determination, to be returned, except the specimen of 'Zanonia', called at Kew 'Comelina zanonia'; observations. 'Tropaeolum peregrinum' not yet in flower, will send when perfect. Also sending cryptogamia and a 'Fucus' collected in Pembrokeshire last year. Requests that any new species in the specimens be sent to [Sir Joseph] Banks. Asks if Smith has vol 2 of Schreber's "Genera plantarum".

Sends his paper on 'Lycoperdon' [see RelatedMaterial below]; comments on its composition and contents; all the figures but one copied by [Robert] Stone [(c 1751-1829), botanist] from Schaeffer and Bryant, requests if printed this one is redone by Smith's sister; sends specimens. Thanks for [John] Pitchford's Swiss 'Schoenus ferrugineus'.

Requests English and Latin copies of "Icones pictae", plus "Spicilegium botanicum". Has seen [Richard] Salisbury's publication ["Icones stirpium rariorum.."]; prefers Smith's "Icones", in spite of its "magnificence"; "English botany" well received but thinks the figure of 'Orchis conopsea' badly figured, warns [James] Sowerby to maintain the quality from first number as [William] Curtis is "much complained of for that". Sends 'Tilloa muscosa' for [James] Dickson and will send 'Carex strigosa'.

Encloses just found specimen of 'Lycoperdon fornicatum' specimen, which proves it is a new species.

Sending small parcel of works to Smith by same captain who delivered Linnaean collectionns; difficulties of sending items from here. Apolgises for sending [Carl] Thunberg's dissertations bound, thus incurring heavy duties; rarity of this work, unable to get copy for Dr [Smithson] Tennant [(1761-1815), chemist].

Has collected plants in Syria; about to publish results; asks Smith's co-operation in selling the book.