Itinerary for his tour of the north of England and Scotland collecting grasses for his "Gramina Britannica". Requests specimens of 'Phleum crinitum' and 'Agrostis littoralis'.
Has often talked of Smith and his writings with [José Celestino] Mutis and other botanists. Met Smith's friend William Taylor. Returning home to the Americas soon. Offers to send Smith plants of Bogota in exchange for New Holland and rare British plants; will send plant 'Guaco', the sap of which is used to protect against snake bites. He and Mutis to jointly publish "Flora bogotana", much delayed. Requests botanical book recommendations.various botanical topics.
[Note on second folio] "Mr W Taylor has been here to say that if you write to M Zea it would perhaps be better to compliment him upon his introducing the Vaccine institution into Spain as he was the first who did it & rendered himself famous by it".
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Regrets the serious condition which prevented Smith from coming to Hillingdon. Recommends Dr James' powders for erruptive fevers, glad to hear Smith's lungs are not affected.
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Plans to bring his brother and colleague back into the new Parliament.
Certain that 'Oenanthe crocata' poisoined two of [Charles Lennox, 3rd] Duke of Richmond's [(1735-1806)] mares in foal; examined the pasture and dry streambed of the Lavant and there is evidence of the horses digging up the roots and their stomachs were full of a white substance like sawdust, agreeing exactly with what they observed on examining roots of this year mixed with decayed roots of last year; the bank of the stream is full of the plant. Noticed a horse cropping the top of the plants which he supposes is comparatively innocent and that the brood mares must have had "depraved appetites" to dig up the roots. 'Heracleum' in meadows here is called "hog-weed" and fed to the hogs. Has not found any 'Fucus' or uncommon saltmarsh plants.
[Wilson] Lowry [(1760-1824), engraver] has returned his plants and drawings unengraved after three years, offers them to [James] Sowerby.
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Found 'Hieracium sylvaticum' on same hill as mentioned in [John] Gerard's [(1545-1612), botanist] "Herbal", apologises if incorrect as ornithology is his favourite pursuit, not botany. Sends specimens for "English botany", notes on habitat. Examined 'Pilosella' of John Bauhin.
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Death of one of Smith's "most affectionate friends" [Smith annotation: "Mr J. Mackay", John Mackay (1772-1802), employed at Dickson nursery, Edinburgh]. Still waiting to hear from [James] Playfair [(1738-1819), Church of Scotland minister] to hear further on bees. Dr Waltner still unwell and his class dormant. Received Devon 'Fucus' specimens from Lady Ashburton, sends onto Smith.His health good.
Account of plants collected on his journey to Oxfordshire, including habitats, sent specimens to [James] Sowerby; 'Juniperus communis', 'Rumex sanguineus', 'R. venis', 'R. rubris', 'Festuca bromoides', 'Sisymbrium irio', 'Tordylium maximum', 'Asplenium ceterach', 'Carex inflata', 'Asarum europaeum' never seen wild old habitat of [John] Ray at Cheverill's Green near Dunstable is lost, 'Geranium nodosum'. Provided for 7 'Papilio iris' larvae which travelled with him. Since returning has also sent 'Oxalis corniculata', naturalised in woods behind Oakley House from Stratton Park, Hampshire. Honored by Smith's classing him amongst his friends in "Linnean Transactions" vol 6 'Salix' paper.
Feels that Smith is too sedentary and wishes he would dedicate some time to exercise, recommends him to winter in Devon or Cornwall. [Dawson] Turner and his wife have been visiting. A very cold summer, believes there shall be no fruit, hay, or grass, but the corn and potatoes are growing well. Sorry that the new charter for the Linnean Society has caused dissention. Advised to go to Harrogate, Yorkshire, and take the waters for an external ear condition.