Asks what Linneaus meant by the word 'Aethiopia' when applied to the habitat of plants. Asks which tree produces the "slender cane used for extending the troops of Indies". Currently working on the ninth folio volume of his "Outlines of the Globe" according to plan in his "Introduction to the Arctic Zoology".

Intends to use title "Aethiopial Africa" for third volume of ["Outlines of the Globe"]. Asks if Smith knows of any large trees in the Isles of Bourbon [now Réunion, east of Madagascar]. Would like Smith and [William] Hudson to visit him. Shall not publish anymore as he intends his manuscripts for posthumous publication.

Thanks for election to Linnean Society but wishes "to have no concern in the internal business of the Society".

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".

Hopes to give to Linnean Society the third editions of his "[Journey from Chester to] London", "Indian Zoology", and "History of Quadrupeds". Queries on Indian plants for the 11th folio volume of his "Outlines of the Globe": whether Linnaeus refers to the "Poon tree" used for masts; the "cotton tree" referred to by "Gerard p.1552" and "[Edward] Ives Voy[age] 478", thinks it a classical tree; asks if the common walking cane is made from a 'Rotang'; requests correct reference to correct a mistake in [Robert] Orme's "Fragments". Thanks for mention in Smith's essay on natural history [in "Linnean Transactions"] but upset to be coupled with "the dull Brisson" [Mathurin Jacques Brisson (1723-1806) French zoologist]. Requests list of the 20 most striking Indian plants or trees.

References to "poon tree" of India in "Raii hist. 11. p. - & Ives's Voy[age] 46a", from which masts are made. Sends an oak leaf "filled with some matters" that Hugh Davies could not determine. Declines membership of Linnean Society but proposes his son David.