Alphabetical confirmation and observations on specimens sent by Davall [on 12 November 1790], plants include: 'Allium angulosum', 'Phalaris phleoides', variety of 'Lotus corniculata', 'Selinum palustre', 'Agrostis calamagrostis', 'Arundo epigejos', 'Ribes petraeum', 'Coronulla minima', '[Gnaphalium] orientale', 'Hieracium molle', 'Rosa collina', 'Rosa arvensis', 'Androsaces villosa', 'Androsace lactea', 'Anemone alpina', 'Scirpus caespitosus', and 'Schoneus ferrugineus'.

Numbered observations on specimens sent by Davall in parcel of 27 February 1790, now complete. Will send 'Arundo epigejo' another time. Mislaid 'Saxifraga sedoides' so cannot give opinion.

This letter is comprised of five double folios, each individually addressed.

Recently learnt that the parcel of plants he sent on 12 November was almost lost on the Goodwin Sands. Ashamed at his lethargy in completing his book. Observations on plants he has sent Smith in previous packets: no 30 in parcel of [22 May] 1789 by Mandrot 'Arenaria verna', no 6 in [31 May] 1790 parcel by Mandrot is 'Potentilla opaca'. Stubborness of Villars, his 'Arenaria triflora' is Smith's 'Arenaria pubescens', confusion over 'Potentilla'. Wishes Linnean Society had a small botanic garden for study of obscure European plants. Extensive numbered comments on parcel of plants sent via Mr Gooch 27 February 1790 [12 folios].

Observations on 'Crepis virens', 'Anemone', 'Saxifraga burseriana', 'Carduus acanthoides', 'Carduus inclinans'. Finds it difficult to remain indoors and focus on his book. Received "Icones pictae", it surpasses Jacquin's work especially figures of 'Euphorbia punicea'. Praises "English Botany". Asks Smith's advice for dealing with dispute between Wyttenbach and Haller on one side and himself and Lechenal on the other, percipitated by his becoming involved in the Swiss flora with his own book, they have reportedly left off thiers after Lechanel's refusal to be involved; details of events and occurences, if not for Smith they would disgust him from botany. Asks Smith's advice: his Latin is insufficient for completing his book and Wyttenbach has offered to look it over, must either trust to him or give it up. His health has been poor, stems from stomach which is weak and led him to becoming costive, prescribed infusion of rhubarb in cold water and a mixture chiefly containing Minderuus' spirit. Believes he gathered 'Lichen testaceus' for Smith. If he should die his books and plants should be admitted to Smith's use, as his botanical work is done solely for his benefit. Offers his work to Smith to be published as Linnaeus published work of his disciples.

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.

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'.

Sends jar of Chamouny honey made by bees that feed chiefly on 'Pinus larix', and specimen of 'Psora testacea' Hoffmann. [James] Dickson's 'Dentaria bulbifera' will not grow in his garden. Now has all of [Albrecht von] Haller's [(1708-1777)] anemones except for 'Anemone sylvestris' number 1150. Has not received Smith's differentia specifica of 'Lichen cucullatus, or 'Dianthus glaucus' Hudson, which he has found in Switzerland, would like it to be 'Potamogeton obtusum' . Exists as Smith's and the Linnean Society's delegate. Observations on the 'Potentilla opaca' and 'Potentilla villosa' following experiment planting them in pots and different soils. Urges Smith to follow botany rather than medicine. Lists plants growing in part of his garden he names "the Alps".

Postscript on recto of first folio indicates that Davall also sent box of lichens containing 'Lichen testaceus', and 'Lichen ciliatus', and possible 'Lichen aeruginosus' and 'Lichen common'.

Hopes Smith received the box of lichens he sent, intends to send new parcel of plants via Mr Mandrot. Classification of 'Dianthus glaucus' Hudson, [Werner de] Lachenal [(1736-1800)] convinced it is 'Dianthus plumarius', Haller's no 897. Anxious that [Jacob] Wyttenbach's "submissive respect for Haller" may lead him not to translate his manuscript if anything in it derogates Haller. Just received a box of live alpine plants, including 'Hieracium pumilum' and 'Hyoseris foetida'. Responds to points in Smith's letter of 4 January 1791: 'Ribes petraeum' did not grow from cuttings; 'Coronilla minima'; 'Graphalium orientale'; 'Rosa m' from Reynier; 'Saxifraga sedoides'. Sent [Edward] Forster wild, rare specimens in good condition and received in return a "heap of disfigured garden specimens".

[Letter possibly incomplete: no signature or valediction]

Asks Smith not to tell [Edward Forster] of this letter as he is offended by Forster sending "mouldy oleraceous specimens" in return "for some of Flora's pure & rarest productions". Sends parcel of plants with a former governess of the Duke of Argyll's children who is accompanying Mr Mandrot, including 'Satyrium repens' for [James] Dickson . Successfully weaned his daughter. Will send alpine lichen and 'Psora testacea'. Smith's publications: assumes Smith has finished "Flora Lapponica", asks when more of "Plantarum Icones" and "Icones pictae" appear, would like to be kept up to date with "English Botany", and when "Systema vegetabilum" and "Obs. Bot." are out. 'Cypripedium calceolus' in flower, 'Ranunculus parnasifolius' and 'Arenaria grandiflora' in flower, and 'Anemone alpina' flowering for first time five years after transplantation.

The first folio of this letter includes receipt from James Sowerby for £20 from Smith on behalf of Davall. Numbered observations by Smith on plants sent by Davall in previous parcels: 'Lamium maculatum', 'Potentilla opaca' HL, 'Draba fladnizensis' Jacquin, 'Mespilus cotoneaster', 'Aria flexuosa', 'Astragalus montanus', 'Astragalus depressus', 'Leontod pyrenaicus' Gouan, 'Eriophorum vaginatum', 'Scirpus caespitosus' HL, 'Scirpus pauciflorus' Lightfoot, 'Agrostis halleri' Villars, 'Poa bulbosa', 'Carex curvula' Allioni, 'Carex hirta', 'Carex distans' HL, 'Carex leporina', 'Festuca duriuscula', 'Lactuca augustana' Allioni, 'Androsace lactea', 'Morbid euphorbia', 'Fontinalis pennata' HL, 'Medicago polymorpha-minima', 'Equisetum linosum', 'Cerastium tomentosum' HL, 'Sisymbrium pyrenaicum', 'Cytisus sessilifolius' HL, 'Corohilla minima' Jacquin, 'Polypodium montamum' Allioni, 'Festuca duriuscula', 'Oenanthe fistulosa', 'Allium schaenoprasum' HL, 'Carex rostiata' Stokes, 'Carex disticha' Hudson, 'Carex acuta' HL, 'Poa alpina', and 'Salix myrsinites'.

Responds to Davall's letters of 11 March and 30 April: [Joseph von] Jacquin generally worthy; intends to announce his "Systema Vegetabilum" in preface to the new edition of "Flora Lapponica". Received visit and parcel of plants from Dr [Franz Joseph] Maerter [(1753-1827)] who has been in South America and the West Indies; all of Jacquin's rare plants are from him though Maerter's collections have been seized at Brussels and their recovery is uncertain. Addresses Davall's remarks on 'Anemone', 'Dianthus glaucus', 'Potamogeton obtusum', and 'Potentilla'. Hopes "Icones pictae" will be profitable as his lectures are not but is determined not to give up botany. Intends to devote summer to his ["Sketch of a Tour on the Continent"], "Systema vegetabilum", and perhaps "Flora Anglica". His servant François [Borone] with him again. The Queen takes three large paper copies of his "Icones pictae".

Sends first number of his "Spicilegium [botanicum]". Second number of "Icones pictae" in preparation. Also sending specimens of 'Lichen gypsaceus' and 'Lichen saxifragas' and describes both characters, to see if the latter is Davall's 'Psora testacea'.

Numbered observations on parcel of plants sent by Davall via Mr Mandrot in May, received June 1791: 'Turritis hirsuta' HL, 'Plantago', 'Cerinthe major', 'Cerinthe perennis' Davall, 'Thesium alpinum' HL, 'Bupleurum angulosum' HL, 'Laserpitium silaifolium', 'Dianthus', 'Arenaria liniflora', 'Potentilla caulescens' HL, 'Anemone fragifera' Jacquin, 'Ranunculus thora', 'Ranunculus pamassifolius' HL, 'Ranunculus alpestris', 'Ajuga genevensis', 'Ajuga alpina', 'Pedicularis sylvatica' HL, 'Antirrhinum arvense' HL, 'Hypericum tetragynum', 'Geranium pusillum', Geranium rotundifolium', 'Geranium molle', 'Crepis tectorum' HL, 'Ophrys cordata', 'Satyrium repens', 'Carex pauciflora' Lightfoot, 'Clutia pulchella', 'Chrysocoma coma-aurea' HL, 'Bidens pilosa', 'Coreopris leucantha' HL, 'Gentiana', 'Asplenium trichomanes', 'fastigiatus', '[Lichen] tiliaceus' Hoffmann and Smith, '[Lichen] saxatilis', '[Lichen] centrifugus', '[Lichen] aeruginosus', '[Lichen] fagineus', '[Lichen] subfucus' HL, '[Lichen] horizontalis', '[Lichen] chrysoleucus' Smith, and '[Lichen] encaustus' Smith.

Compliments them both on their ability to search for plants. Comments on box of lichens sent by Davall. Pleased to hear account of Davall's happy family life. [Edward] Forster disappointed that Davall has not written. "Flora Lapponica" has gone to press with fifty-five new species added to the flora. Hopes Davall will entrust [Jacob] Wyttenbach with correction of the Latin for his work. After consultation with [William] Hudson and [James] Dickson gives numbered remarks on box of lichens. Can only send Davall a few plants in return, including 'Arenaria saxatilis', but Davall should request [Dominique] Villars' 'A. saxatilis' for the true 'A. laricifolia'. Sends present of "two tinkling balls [...] of the very newest mode" for Davall's baby daughter. 'Nymphaea nelumbo' in flower at Bulstrode, [Buckinghamshire, home of Duke of Portland] for the first time in Europe, it is a new genus to be called 'Portlandia' and the old renamed 'Catesbaea'.

Received Smith's "Spicilegium botanicum", 'Arenaria saxatilis' and '[Acrosticum marantae]'. Describes death of his infant daughter and his grief; he and his wife are to holiday in Switzerland. Leaf of plant number 53 of his parcel by Mandrot 1790 belongs to 'Sium latifolium', quotes [Johannes] Loesel [(1607-1655)]. Will send seed of 'Cerinthe perennis', which he previously sent as 'Cerinthe intermedia', hopes it could be figured in "Spicilegium botanicum". Hopes to send parcel of plants via Flaction before departing.

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'.

Condolences on death of Davall's daughter, believes it must have been a very violent fever independent of teething. Transcribes part of an epitaph on four children who died of the plague 150 years ago, engraved on a monument in a field somewhere in England. Wishes Davall could visit England as his connections are now much increased: quite intimate with Lady Rockingham; made acquaintance with Sir Abraham and Lady [Amelia] Hume and stayed with them in Hertfordshire; recently stayed at Bulstrode, [Buckinghamshire, home of Duke of Portland]. Will send first volume of "Linnean Transactions" for Davall. Requests duplicates of ten or twelve plants for François [Borone's] herbarium.

Postscript at top of verso of first folio that he would gladly figure 'Cerinthe perennis' [in "Spicilegium botanicum"].

Arrived back in Orbe unwell; taking purgative mineral waters of Saidschultz, Hungary. Sending seed of 'Cerinthe [perennis]' for Smith via Mr Mandrot; would prefer Smith figured it rather than [Joseph von] Jacquin. As 'Cerinthe perennis' forms a very stout root if in a pot it should be transplanted to the open to flower.

Sending this letter via Mr Haldimand, son of General [Sir Frederick] Haldimand [(1718-1791)]. Hopes Smith received seed of 'Cerinthe perennis', which he also sent last year with 'Lactuca angustana', and parcel of plants sent via Flaction. Received first volume of "Linnean Transactions": assumes that in a few years the Linnean Society will have corrected the false synonyms of the Linnaean and other plants and provided more ample descriptions. Smith "by far the properest man" to be Linnaeus' successor. Received Smith's parcel of plants from Mandrot, including "inestimable" 'Arenaria saxatilis'. His wife pregnant. His aunts' card playing habits.

At Basel went over [Werner de] Lachenal's [(1736-1800)] herbarium: it includes plants from [Caspar] Bauhin's [(1560-1624)] herbarium, bought for 7 guineas; not rich in Swiss plants and Lachenal is not deeply learned, his speciality being books and editions; his best studies are of the umbelliferae; had 'Schoenus ferrugineus' as a variety of 'Schoenus nigricans'; many dried exotic specimens from garden of Utrecht; his garden stock from Jacquin; acquired seeds of 'Minuartia' from Lachenal, originally procured of [Carl Christian] Gmelin [(1762-1837)] now director of botanic garden at Carlsruh, [Lower Saxony], sending Smith some for a good figure to be made. Accidently read part of a letter and its corresponding part from [Joseph von] Jacquin to [Nikolaus von] Jacquin, "full of the grossest & most humble flattery".

Will send plants for François [Borone, Smith's servant] when he next sends a parcel. Finding it difficult to limit his work to found wild specimens as to understand them necessary to compare them against species with near affinity throughout Europe. Disappointed by parcel of specimens received from [Dominique] Villars and is proposing to exchange books for specimens instead of money; sending "Hortus Kewensis" and Smith's "Plantarum icones". Received small parcel of badly dried specimens from [Carlo] Bellardi, including 'Arenaria liniflora' and a 'Festuca spadicea' the same as Smith's in "Linnean Transactions", also received seeds of it 'Andropogon distachyum' from [Carlo] Allioni. Would like to grow 'Andropogon gryllus' in his garden. Reminds Smith that lichens 46 and 48 from box of lichens [sent 30 April 1791] are still undetermined, thinks 47 is Smith's 'Saxifragus'. Presumes Smith informed Villars that his 'Arenaria saxatilis' is 'Arenaria laricifolia'.

Displeased by Lachenal's insistence that as 'Arenaria verna' is often taken for 'A. saxatilis' then 'saxatilis' should be continued, and same with 'Lepidium graminifolium', maintaining it is 'Iberis'. Intends to concentrate on his "Illustr. Fl. Helv." this winter. First snow of winter arrived earlier than expected on 1 November; anxious for his potted plants. Sending Smith seeds via Haldimand, including three never grown in England, so they can be figured in "Spicilegium botanicum": 'Arenaria grandiflora' L, 'Turritis caerulea' Allioni "Fl. Ped." includes growing details and instructions, 'Scutellaria alpina' ,'Iberis rotundifolia', 'Minuartia', and 'Silene -'. Hopes [Nikolaus von] Jacquin will not be the first to give coloured figure of 'Arenaria grandiflora'. Offers Smith exclusivity on seeds of new Swiss plants until he has figured it.

Proposes scheme for Linnean Society members to fund drawing, engraving, and colouring of at least one plant a year to increase provision of good figures of new, obscure, or misconceived species.

Suffering from "a perpetual return of obstructions" and "excessive habit of costiveness" which no remedies will remove. Believes he has found 'Lichen confluens' and 'Lichen cinereo-fuscus' Weber, will send for Smith's consideration, and 'Lichen fulgens' Swartz or 'Lichen citrinus' Hedwig. Regrets his "ill treaty" with [Harvey] Spragg and his copy of Dillenius' "Historia Muscorum"; how many copies are buried in public libraries or in private hands whilst many including him "suffer & linger by the privation". His interest in cryptogams; he sent Smith the common '[Lichen] fagineus' for pleasure of it authenticated by Smith, as he is still a novice.

Recently became acquainted with [Horace-Bénédict] de Saussure [(1740-1799)] and gave him roots of 'Geranium phaeum' and 'G. lividum', Swiss plants he had sought in vain, though he is more a lithologist than botanist. De Saussure collected lichens during an expedition on Mont Blanc, an account of which was published July 1788, and intended to send them to [Georg Franz] Hoffmann for identification but Davall persuaded him to send them to Smith instead. Transcribes, in French, part of de Saussure's letter acceptance, in French. Transcribes, in French, letter received from [Carlo] Bellardi with article for Smith.

Note in Davall's hand that this letter was received 13 January 1792.

Acknowledges receipt of Davall's letters of 6 November, with seeds, and 2 December, and parcel of plants via Mr Mandrot. Observations on plants, ordered by Greek letters: 'Trifolium rubens' HL, 'Trifolium pratense' HL, 'Trifolium alpestre' HL, 'Trifolium filforme' HL, 'Astragalus cicer' Linnaeus, 'Serapias palustris' HL, 'Potentilla norvegica' HL, 'Gnaphalium sylvaticum', 'Filago germanica' HL, 'Crepis dioscorides' HL, 'Festuca', 'Cuscuta europaea', 'Veronica hybrida' HL, 'Centaurea paniculata' HL, 'Campanula rhomboidalis', 'Thalictrum lucidum', 'Geranium sanguineum', 'Geranium rotundifolium', 'Lotus maritimus' HL, 'Sisymbrium murale' HL, 'Cheiranthus alpinus' Jacquin, 'Sium latifolium' HL, 'Lychius quadridentata' HL, '[Lychius] alpestris' HL, 'Silene alpestris' "Hortus Kewensis" and Jacquin.

Observations on plants, ordered by Roman letters: '[Arenaria] ciliata', 'Anemone sulphurea', '[Thlaspi] alpestre' HL, 'Erysimum cheiranthoides' HL, 'Lathyrus cicera' HL, 'Lathyrus palustris' HL, 'Orchis palustris' Jacquin, 'Acrostichum ilvense' Hudson, 'Acer opalus', 'Lavatera punctata', and 'Carduus crispus' HL.

Responds to Davall's letter of 6 November: pleased by his approval of first volume of "Linnean Transactions" but thinks his scheme for Linnean Society figuring plants not feasible; has not heard from [Werner de] Lachenal [(1736-1800)] or [Dominique] Villars, and Villars may have heard of his 'Arenaria' from Professor Wiborg at Copenhagen; thanks for seeds, gave most to Fairbairn and some to [William] Aiton [(1731-1793)]; [William] Curtis angry with Smith for helping [James] Sowerby with "English Botany" as he thinks it infringes on his domain, he owes Sowerby £50 and is a "man of very unsound principle, & a bad temper at bottom"; [Edward] Forster sorry Davall is not impressed with the specimens he sent, which he thought very valuable; does not know Davall's lichen 46, and 48 is found in England on Charlton Church and used to be called 'Lichen cretaceus'; will send on "English Botany" and box of lichens.

Responds to Davall's letter of 2 December: distressed by Davall's ill health, essential for him to exercise, asks if fruit is laxative or not for him and whether red port makes him costive; thanks Davall for enabling exchange of lichens with with [Horace Bénédict] de Saussure [(1740-1799)]; will write to [Carlo] Bellardi; wishes to settle about 'Davallia' as what he intended is a 'Trianthema', asks if he would prefer 'Trichomanes canariense' or an Indian genus from his uncoloured icones.

His brother Richard spending the winter in a lodging by himself, "doing nothing, & burying good taste & abilities in mere sloth". Lady Rockingham in good health. Many seeds from Botany Bay lately.