Thanks for Smith's letter [of 17 February 1792] and parcel containing "Flora Lapponica"; missing sheets. Unsure whether to go on with [James] Dickson's ["Hortus siccus Britannicus"] as it is expensive for duplicates and moderate specimens. Thanks for specimens of 'Iberis amara' and 'Lycoperdon cancellatum', which is definitely the "nidus of insects".

Congratulates Smith on "high honour" of organising the Queen's [Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz (1744-1818)] herbarium but fears the main benefit will be opportunity of consulting [John] Lightfoot's herbarium, as the King [George III (1738-1820)] and Queen are "famous for being satisfied with the honour which their acceptance of obligations confers" and gives example of a friend who gave a Hunter to the King for free.

Alarmed to hear of the Pantheon fire [a theatre near Smith's house] and danger to Smith's health and library; asks if the apothecary whose premises were damaged by falling of the inner walls some days later was [Robert] Batty's. [John] Pitchford passed on letter from [James] Sowerby requesting specimens of fungi; will endeavour to supply him, lists those he could send now.

"Buried" in snow at present. Intends to attend Linnean Society anniversary meeting. They are to petition "all over Suffolk" against the slave trade.

His street was not affected by the fire at the Pantheon, although [Robert] Batty's shop was destroyed and he and his family took refuge with Smith.

Responds to Davall's letters of 31 January and 3 February 1792: promises to visit Davall soon but wants to publish his "Sketch of a Tour on the Continent" and "Systema vegetabilum" first; François [Borone] to be [Adam] Afzelius' assistant in Sierra Leone, commissioned by the new Company to collect plants for at least a year, advantageous situation for Borone, and Smith will receive a share of the plants, roots, and seeds collected; when François returns Smith intends to tour to Genoa to visit Davall and Mount Cenis again; impatient to hear from [Dominique] Villars; applauds Davall's comments on naming of plants after botanists, shall give Davall's name to 'Trichomanes canariense' but requests a paper from him for second volume of "Linnean Transactions"; has no duplicate of 'Smithia sensitivia', it flowered and seeded at Turin in 1790; admires Davall's manner of drying plants.

[Carl Peter] Thunberg compared specimen of his [Smith's] 'Festuca' with [Joachim] Burser's [(1583-1639)] original specimen at Upsala, so there is now no doubt, but [Martin] Vahl [(1749-1804)] has published discovery as his own in second volume of "Symbolae botanicae" but made mistake of saying he learned what 'Anthoxanthum paniculatum' was from the Linnaean herbarium.

Has been introduced to the Royal Family as this summer he is to arrange the Queen's herbarium, previously [John] Lightfoot's, give the Queen and princesses a course of botany; comments on the Queen's behaviour and dignity. Has not taken any salary for the job for the sake of dignity and future influence and interest.

Prescribes a tablespoon of melted butter with the salt skimmed off before bed for Davall's costiveness; excellent for bowel complaints but "neglected for nasty drugs & irritating oils". Eager to see vegetable part of [Johann Friedrich] Gmelin's [(1748-1804)] "Systema naturae". Glad Davall found [Johann] Hermann agreeable, "an excell[ent] & pleasant man". Pleased Davall likes his figure of 'Festuca spadicea'. Waiting for lichens before sending parcel of plants, will also send second edition of "Flora Lapponica".

No summary available.

Concerned to hear of weak state of [William] Hudson; intends to write to him on subject of 'Mentha villosa', which needs to be "fully cleared up", as does 'M. sylvestris'; observations, including on differences in length of stamina depending on condition; 'M. gentilis'. Thanks Smith for mentioining his name to a Parisian Natural History Society who sent him a prospectus for a new periodical work.

Congratulates Smith on appointment as the Queen's [Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz (1744-1818)] botanist, pleased he will have opportunity to look over [John] Lightfoot's plants; errors for Smith to look out for in his letters to Lightfoot, if they are extant, including on 'Carex' and 'Salix'.

Notes on Lightfoot's confounding of 'C. caespitosa' with 'C. recurva'.

Relates merits of his son, [David Pennant], believes he would be a worthy member of the Linnean Society. They are both coming to London shortly. Offers Dr [George] Shaw a specimen of the three-toed sloth for the British Museum, it is better than [Frederick] Nodder's description in "Natural Miscellany".

Invites request for desiderata; about to begin a new exploration.

Matlock received [JH's] account, but bill was not enclosed. Is bill in papers that [JH] sent to [AH]?

JH is being subtly chastised for missing a meeting that the Prince of Wales attended.

JH requests that J. H. N. Hennessey be allowed to attend meeting of R.S.L. that evening.

[Extract, in JH's hand, of letter:] Ask JH to determine exact price of telescope and time of its delivery. Commissioners are aware that observatory will need equatorially mounted telescope as soon as 'measurements of Lacaille's base' are completed.

His first series of illustrations are temporarily bound up and if JH likes he can borrow them for six months. Would like to retain Mr. Corda's book for a little longer.

Thanks for the packet. Remarks on Devon and recent events.

Family news.

Called last Tuesday. Unable to see him as he was away.

Short letter in code.

Just going on board to bring back Lady Ryan (wife of Sir Edward?) and will then call to see him. The furniture will be landed immediately. Proposes to sail Saturday morning.

Gives an example of lunar observations. Considers this a more accurate measurement than that obtained by the chronometer.

Sends regards to Herschel family.

Has written privately to the Chancellor of the Exchequer enclosing JH's letter. Thinks this preferable to asking the question publicly. Will be spending Whitsun at Bedgebury.

About etymology.