Would have replied to Pulteney's letter of 24 May [1791] sooner had the enclosed "Linnean Transactions" vol 1 arrived earlier. "Quite out of patience" with waiting for L'Héritier's recent publications; offers to send Pulteney's sketches to him. Discussion of recent publications, including by Allioni, Cavanilles, Hedwig, Schreber, and Labillardière.

Staying with [Werner de] Lachenal [(1736-1800)]. Dispatched a parcel of plants to Smith via Flaction; requests seeds and plants of [Robert] Teesdale and [James] Lee. Requests plates for his intended work from [James] Sowerby. Surprised to find his herbarium richer than Lachenal's in alpines: gave him Haller's "little 'Gentiana' (tenella Rottboel of ED)" and he immediately went to [Nikolaus von] Jacquin's "Miscellanea [Austriaca]" for 'Swertia carinthiaca', they are very alike except for flower. Lachenal has 'Morina persica', not at Kew. Criticises Lachenal's botanical culture and gardening skills. Delighted to see 'Cypripedium bulbosum'.

Declines membership of the Linnean Society on account of his age. Asks Smith's opinion of Bruce's botanical knowledge [possibly James Bruce (1730-1794) traveller in Africa, who was initially celebrated but later treated with scepticism]. Asks for Mr Bosse to send him Jussieu's "Genera plantarum 1789".

Returned Smith's books except Linnaeus' "Scanian Journey". Has been travelling for 10 weeks with Sir George, keeping a journal and collecting, but now detained by Sir George's gout. Has possibly found new cryptogamical plants and has gathered many 'Fucus' with fruitifications.

Reviewed first volume of "Linnean Transactions" with [Thomas] Woodward, their opinions: Woodward thought it very thin but Cullum would be happy to see annual production of similar sized volume; [Espirit] Giorna's paper on insect wings should have been translated; [Adam] Afzelius' paper on 'Trifolium' "tedious"; wonders what the Society in Warwick Street [Society for the Promotion of Natural History ?] think of it.

'Colchium autumnale' now in flower, transcribes Latin observations on it made by a near relation of his in 1773. Suggests travel arrangements for Smith to reach his house in Suffolk, hopes Smith will return the many visits he paid Smith in Marlborough Street. Publications: asks after Hoffmann's "botanical pocket book" he has seen advertised; when "Flora Lapponica" is to be published; and if there is any thought of a new "Species plantarum". Asks Smith to pay his bill to [James] Sowerby for him.