Update on [Edmund] Davall's health, which has become more settled with only one partial attack in the last 13 weeks. Davall's physician has prescribed "pills of asafoetida" but finding them too heavy Clark suggetsed Davall take gentle doses of opiates to ease his irritability which also had the benefit of easing his constipation. With [Peter] Hubert has been correcting the paper on bees, comments that the style is heavily influenced by [René Antoine Ferchault de] Réaumur [(1683-1757) French scientist]. Comments on the pleasing appearance of the Alps now that the snow has melted. Is hopeful of obtaining a passport for France from Mr Pitch of Geneva, for which he wrote a piece on veterinary co[lleges] for the "Bibliotheque Brittanique". If disappointed shall return to England via Germany.

Reports on the rebellion in Ireland. Living in a state of siege in Dublin, a curfew is enforced and all of the avenues out of the city are secured with guards and palisades. A great force is collected, a "rabble undisciplined, without leaders of eminence or concerted plan", who will be suppressed, although it will require time. Reports on a small skirmish that took place on 9 July. Uncertain whether he saw death notice for [Nicholas] Gwyn. Botanical researches have been a solace during the rebellion. Is subscribing to [Robert John] Thornton's [(c 1768-1837), physician and writer on botany] work ["A new illustration of the sexual system of Linnaeus"] but wary that it will not "advance knowledge or assist the novice sufficiently".

Still in Hafod, and as the rebellion [in Ireland] appears nearly finished intends to remain [his regiment had volunteered to tour there], and will try to resign without discredit. His daughter, Mariamne Johnes', health: Mr Abernethy writes that ascending of the tumour towards the belly is not as dangerous as its previous position; Johnes fears operation on similar tumour on a poor boy in Carmarthen has not been successful.

Transcribes extract from letter received from Mr Galton in which Galton states how he would like to see a "Tour of Wales" published by "so intelligent a man & so superior a Botanist as Dr Smith" and that with superior engravings the work would be a success, as "all the publications of [Thomas] Bewick's [(1753-1828), engraver and ornithologist] are instantly bought up & advance in value".

Daily expects Charlotte, [his sister], who has returned to England having "kicked down her bucket most foolishly indeed", so that it would not even "be believed in a Romance".

Account of Edmund Davall's illness.

Sending copies of his book ["Menthae Britannicae"] for Smith and [John] Pitchford; welcomes any observations. Unfortunately he received Smith's kind letter of previous year too late for him to alter any names. Hopes the mints ['Mentha'] he sent Smith are growing well; state of his own. Has sent for the Linnean Society's book of specimens to adjust and rectify them according to his new arrangements; alterations to names of his own collection of dried mints he previously sent Smith.

Comments on price of his book, a "rather hazardous publication". Defends his plates against accusations that they are only varities, insisting that they are permanent varities, having kept their distinction for 25 years.

Thanks for the two packets of seeds and letter; when he sold his property at Hayes he left his plant collection there, and is now renting a residence at Mortlake, [Surrey], on the banks of the Thames. Has given the seeds to Lady Aylesford [Louisa Finch, wife of Heneage Finch, 4th Earl of Aylesford (1751-1812)]; whilst visiting saw her "Hortus Pictus" of British plants, including 50 in her own hand; also saw Mr Griffiths, the cryptogamist of Snowdon, who brough 'Subularia acquatica'. The only new plant he has found in the summer is 'Serapias latifolia'.

Sorry not to see Smith during his Norfolk expedition. Asks after "Linnean Transactions" vol 4.

Thanks for letter and East India seeds; offers to send plants to Smith's friends, particularly Lady [Amelia] Hume. Sent [James] Sowerby specimen of 'Metrosideros hispida' to draw and dry; observations, thinks it could be 'Eucalyptus'. His city honours [Alderman of London 1798-1803] a "sacrifice" to his conviction of the "serious nature of the times"; attacks those who "skulk" from their responsibilities.

Fears that the packages from India he has sent by waggon may be damaged in transit. Detained in London by experiments with alloys at the Mint.

East India seeds received from [Robert] Brown are already growing. Found an undescribed 'Geranium sanguineum' very similar to 'Geranium lancastriense'. Has increased his collection of' 'Orchidiae'. 'Erica glutinosa' in flower in his garden. Seeds Smith sent are growing, including the supposed 'Adansonia', 'Supatrens calsamina', creepers, and the "Carica papaya". Description of two 'Sophora monosperma' he has raised. Requests that the genus similar to 'Dillenia' that Smith is to name after him be named 'Valentiana', asks if the disputed 'Dillenia indica' is of this new genus.

Has been collecting rare English maritime plants at Lymington, Hampshire, and Brownsea Island, Dorset; 'Inula cruthmoides', 'Ruppia maritima', 'Chironia pulchella', 'Chironia centaurium', 'Anthemis maritima', 'Beta maritima', 'Santolina maritima', 'Cheiranthus sinautus', 'Salosa kali', 'Pinguicula lusitanica', and a possible 'Schoenus longus'. Expecting 29,300 plants sent from Jamaica. Has been growing 'Sedum villosum' for three years, a "perfect perennial". Asks Smith to obtain living plants of 'Pulmonaria maritima' and 'Convolvulus soldanella', which grow on the Norfolk coast.

Received Smith's letter of 11 May, charmed by the description of Hafod, [Cardiganshire], and its owner, [Thomas Johnes]. Gives advice on the growing of yellow turnips, shall send Johnes a barrel of these and a barrel of German wine. Impressed with Johnes' planting of 670,000 trees in a year, remarks that such planting is unknown on mainland Europe although he is involved in the foundation of a nursery containing 1,500,000 plants, with which he intends to plant four-fifths of Holstein as an example to others. Received Smith's "Tracts" and letter sent via [Bracy] Clark, requests Smith's "Syllabus of botanical lectures". Currently has no time for botany as the promotion of practical agriculture and the Poor Institute take up all his time.

Asks Smith's opinion of [Nikolaus von] Jacquin's new book ["Plantarum rariorum Horti Caesarei Schoenbrunnensis"] as whilst she is tempted by "so many beautiful lillys [sic]", price of 30 guineas for two volumes is "enormous" and whether he thinks it will be Jacquin's last work, in which case she would purchase it. Requests fresh supply of Smith's Norfolk buns as they check the spasmodic wind in her chest. Suffering from the extreme hot weather but her eyelids and incessant tear in her eye are better after Mr Phipps' application.

[Smith annotation: "I have only seen some plates of Jacquin's work, but I think you sh'd have it"]

Sending second part of first volume of his edition of "Species plantarum". Will send Smith rare plants and diploma of their Society of Natural Scientists in a month's time.

Thanks for seeds. [John] Harriman found 'Gentiana verna' in this neighbourhood; asked [James] Sowerby to credit Harriman with its discovery when figured in "English botany". Harriman has also found a rare 'Ribes patreana'.

Visit of Mrs Kett [of Seething Hall, Norfolk] to Oxford Botanic Garden, "it is singular on any occasion to meet a lady who is really conversant with plants". Informed that Smith is "destroying" a new 'Verbascum', hopes that Smith will soon examine this genera but believes Smith better employed working on 'Gramina' and mints ['Mentha']. Informed of Smith giving the name 'Campanula alpina' to his plant 'Campanula rhomboidea', which resembles 'Campanula pulla' in habit and foliage. Accepts Smith's offer to send specimens of each species and variety of mint ['Mentha']. After seeing Smith's new genera in last issue of "Linnean Transactions" suggests that the name 'Danbeia' be given to a new genus in honour of Henry Danvers [Earl of Danby (1573-1644)], founder of Oxford Botanic Garden.

Recent visitors: Smith's friend Mr Gurney and family came here for breakfast yesterday; "he travels like a Patriarch with all his children". Mr More leaving today after only making two sketches; his inability to ride or walk prevented him from seeing all "our beauties". Missed seeing [John Peter] Laporte [(1761-1839), a "very fine drawer", who was in the grounds. [Richard] Warner [(1763-1857), antiquary] visited for a day; "he publishes as rapidly as he walks". His daughter [Mariamne Johnes] continues "much the same".

Received Smith's letter and enclosure of [Casper von] Voght's letter to Smith; his prices for wine are very satisfactory. Sorry Mr Gurney made so short a stay as he liked him and his family very much. Dr [James] Anderson's health very indifferent. Received a "very handsome" letter from [Thomas] Pennant enclosing one to Anderson. [Richard] Warner [(1763-1857), antiquary] as "rapid a publisher as he is a walker" and expects an account of his summer travels next spring [he visited Hafod], though did not like the company he brought with him. Advises Smith to hasten publication of his own "Tour" in case he is forestalled.

Many of his Russian seeds have come up. They have had finest harvest weather possible but fears incoming rain, hopes it clears before [Richard Payne] Knight [(1750-1824), classicist] visit, who has just lost his mother. Also expecting [Charles Howard, 11th] Duke of Norfolk [(1746-1815)] shortly. His "poor girl" [daughter, Mariamne Johnes] goes on "much as usual", and Dr [David] Davies and Mr Williams think her general health recovered: her back is flatter but tumour remains and she cannot walk in spite of constantly wearing Jones' machine and though they hear of many recovering "we seem to stand still". Fears French gaining "a foothold in Ireland". Asks if Smith has read [William] Eton's "Survey of Turkey", which has greatly amused him, "what rascals they must be!".

Corrects an error in his catalogue, 'Geranium phaeum' was found by Mr Severne of Aberly, Worcestershire, not Butt. Lord Valentia [George Annesley] disappointed not to see Smith on his return from Wales. Long list of habitats of plants found in northern England by Butt, including long description of 'Anchusa [officinalis]' with very rough sketch in pencil of the leaf, seeks Smith's opinion and offers to send specimen if required.

Thanks for Smith's "Tracts of Natural History", especially pleased with the account of [Conrad] Gesner [(1516-1565) Swiss naturalist]; discusses Gerard's death. Taking foxglove ['Digitalis'] for his anascara. Was introduced to Mrs Kindersley [a relation of Smith's] the last time he was at Bath, [Somersert]. Asks if Smith knows anyone who can give an account of the colours used in "Hindostan paintings", specifically if any are chemical.

Sending various works; 'Nova Genera Plantarum'.