Pays tribute to the late Lady Russell [Georgiana Russell (? 1768-1801), 1st wife of 6th Duke of Bedford]. Desires opinion on 'Pyrus aria'. Despairs at [James] Sowerby's apparent negligence with specimens he sent him.
Has visited [John Russell, 6th] Duke of Bedford's plantation of 'Salix russelliana' but only successful in obtaining female catkins. The late and incumbent Dukes of Bedford and their interest in the species. Thanks for drawings of 'Mentha odorata' and 'Tetraphis pellucida'. Sends specimen of a 'Primula', referred to as the black Cowslip in Worcestershire; requests Smith's opinion.
'Salix russelliana', in the opinion of Abbot and [John Russell, 6th] Duke of Bedford, is not a native of Bedfordshire. Notes on its habitat and "quickness of growth", is known to agriculturists as "Leicestershire" or "Dishley willow". Hopes that Smith's health will have improved following his six weeks in Liverpool.
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.
Bedford River "abounding" with 'Chara flexilis' "English botany 1070". Encloses "curious production" with habit of 'Conferva' [extant]; observations. Believes 'Chara flexilis', 'Ceratophyllum submersum', and 'Ceratophyllum demersum' can be consolidated under one genus; observations. Lists plants he has found since 1798 as a supplement [to his "Flora Bedfordiensis" (1798)], for Smith's "Flora Britannica". Prays for recovery of Smith's health, "so valuable to the botanical world".
Specimen of a plant.
Sending specimens of mosses. Frustrated by Dawson Turner's tendency to not acknowledge him for plants he sent; examples. "Enchanted" by Smith's drawings of 'Asarum europaeum' and 'Geranium nodosum'. Sending specimen of 'Phleum paniculatum'. Previously sent all the plants he is sending to [James] Sowerby, including: 'Hypnum denticulatum', 'Sphagnum arboreum', 'Neckera heteromalla' Hedwig, 'Bryum flavescens', 'Bryum sericeum', 'Inrium annotinum' in both states being 'Trentepohlia erecta' Hoffmann and Teesdale, 'Bryum dicksoni', 'Barbula fallax', 'Scirpus acicularis', and 'Hypnum polycarpum' Hoffmann; habitats provided for all.
["Spec. 2" annotated in pencil at top of verso of folio]