Intends to attend Smith's botanical lectures in London. Hopes Smith visit to Windsor was pleasant.
Introduces himself; thanks for being made ALS through "polite interference" of [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert. Praises Smith's works; his "Icones pictae" and "Spicilegium [botanicum]" are the "most superb botanic publications" he ever saw, and is anxious to receive all of Smith's works as they are published; asks if a new number of "Linnaeus' herbarium" has been published yet ["Icones plantarum"].
Forced to give up his attempt to publish a "Flora Dublinensis" for want of encouragement, but asks Smith's opinion of the sample he sent Messrs White [publishers]; Sir Joseph Banks thought it had "no particular merit", though he knows no other good extant figure of 'Hyoscyamus niger'. Now attempting to publish a "Flora Hibernica" without figures. Asks after possibility of Ireland receiving a copy of Banks' edition of Kaempfer's "Icones selectae". Praises Smith's "Introductory Discourse" in "Linnean Transactions".
Sends his 'Hirudo' paper for publication in "Linnean Transactions". His 'Hirudo nigra' same as the 'Hirudo complanata' in [George] Shaw's 'Hirudo viridis' paper, believes this 'H. complanata' is not the same as Linnaeus' and asks Smith to show Shaw the paper for his judgement. States that his three species are "not good 'Hirudines', if we [...] stick to the Linnaean definitions".
[Nicholas] Gwyn informed him of Smith's introduction to the King and Queen [George III (1738-1820) and Charlotte (1744-1818)], hopes it proves useful. Is collecting insects not described by Linnaeus to send to Smith. Asks if [James] Sowerby's drawing of the leeches included 'Hirudo nigra'. Requests copies of Smith's "Spicilegium" for himself, and a copy of this and Sir William Jones' "Tract on the legal method of suppressing riots" for Gwyn.
Species of 'Cistus' and other plants observed.
Account for books, etc.
Thanks Smith for the introduction to botany. Trying to collect all of Smith's works. Asks whether there will be new editions of the Principal Works of Linnaeus, especially the "Systema Vegetabilium". Comments on the uncertain publication of [William] Curtis' lectures, which would have been useful for students, and the deficiencies of [James] Lee's "Introduction to Botany" [(1715-1795) nurseryman]. Seeks London edition of Smith's translation of Linnaeus's dissertation on the sexes of plants. Complains that Smith's "last number" [probably "English Botany"] should have been described how 'Ligusticum' differs from the many plants to which it bears a general resemblance.
Confirms he will not be attending Linnean Society anniversary meeting. [Robert] Stone [(c 1751-1829), botanist] severely ill with gout in his stomach but now recovered; he had thought of quitting the Linnean Society but now does not. Recommends [David Elisha] Davy of Yoxford, [Suffolk], who is to visit London, "a very diligent young botanist" who intends to join the Linnean Society once he knows more of the science.
Sends specimens of 'Hirudo nigra', observes their different colour from some collected a few months ago. Anxious that his relative lack of knowledge could compromise his paper. Also sends a species of 'Cicada' that swims on its back, like 'Notonecta', would like to write his next paper for "Linnean Transactions" on it if [Thomas] Marsham has not already seen it before receiving it from Kirby.
Requests specimens of "Mimosa".
Sends book for Dr Forster. Thanks for his father's advice about Frogmore and will not make use of the invitation [to teach the Queen and Princesses botany]. Sends receipts for his father's, Francis', and John's Sierra Leone shares. His father's ticket won £20. His brother Richard applied to [Robert] Batty [(1763-1849), apothecary] for 3 guineas whilst he was out, has since given instruction not to lend him any money. Account of his lectures: 17 pupils, of which 15 pay, but no ladies; hopeful of their "gaining ground". [Jonas] Dryander thinks it a good thing the King of Sweden has died. Lady [Amelia] Hume warns that the French refugees about Richmond, [Surrey], risk losing compassion of the public by their "rejoicing at Tippoo Saib's escape or victory" [Tipu Sultan (1750-1799), King of Mysore 1782-1799, in conflict with British forces at this time]. Sends "English botany" and pamphlet on French agriculture in their present "dreadful state".
No summary available.
No summary available.
No summary available.
No summary available.