Thanks for turkey. Interested by Smith's account of his "poisoning plan", Sir Jospeh Banks says it will "eat up plants & paper in the course of two or three years". Asks when Smith will begin publication of "Lapland Journey". Clarifies conversation relating to [Robert John] Thornton [(1768-1837) physician and writer on botany], part of a dispute involving Mr Caley publishing unprovoked assaults on Lambert in the "Imperial Review". Sends a box of "Lambert nuts", believes it to be a new species, relates how his father grew first tree in country hence their common appellation. Relates coincidence of [Jonas] Dryander and [Charles] Konig also both knowing them as "Lambert nuts" from their respective Sweden and Germany, but from the German for "long-bearded". [Peter Simon] Pallas mentions it in his "Travels in the Crimea".

Returns Sir Joseph Banks' pamphlet on wheat blight; observations on blight. Uncertain whether he has ever seen barberry plants at Rollesby, [Norfolk], and though he acknowledges the poor soil has never heard of any remarkable wheat blight. Has never seen confirmation of barberry causing blight but knows of a tenant who is eradicating all barberry in the hedges around his fields. Hopes the seeds of the blighted grass have blown across to Europe to do their enemies "more damage than the Catamarans have done". Wonders whether night of severe frost in June may have caused the blight; other observations on wheat blight and Banks' remarks. Speculates on airborne seed of fungus.

Has not heard from Smith for a year but anxious for his observations. Has been assisted by [Carl Ludwig] Willdenow but doubtful whether "he has hit the Linnaean plant". Complains about how often Linnaeus is wrongly cited, even in [Jan Frederik] Gronovius' "Flora Virginica". Asks if there is anyone in London to compare American plants with herbarium of Gronovius and [John] Clayton, which is in London. Has asked a similar question in Paris of [André] Michaux's herbarium, whom he remarks neglected to keep Linnaeus' received names. List of queries from "Flora Virginica" by page, asks if "Linnean Transactions" might not answer these and similar queries for those "who live at a distance from the fountain". A second list of queries asking Smith to fix the names of some plants he previously sent. Asks permission to send another packet of plants, will send it with Mr Lyons, gardener at William Hamilton's "excellent botanical garden" near Philadelphia. Asks if Dawson Turner is still alive as Turner wanted 'Conferva' specimens. News of North American botanical publications: reviews Michaux's work ["Flora Boreali-Americana"]; Barton preparing a Flora of Pennsylvania and possibly neighbouring states; Brickel preparing a Flora Georgiana; himself compiling a description of indiginous Lancastrian plants but struggles with the cryptogamia class compounded by death of [Johann] Hedwig, anxious to see the relevant volume of "Flora Britannica". Gives brief descriptions of local species of 'Populus' to help Smith determine them.

Sends parcel of poplar and alder specimens to sketch, including polar flowers; Sowerby may find the birch near London, and should draw 'Betula nana' from a garden; will send poplar leaves in June from the same trees. Pleased the 'Cyamus' seed was in such good order, what he found agrees with Gaertner's figure. Returns Mr Lewis' letter and scheme of classes, his ideas "sensible but not new". Intends to buy [George] Don's "fasiculi" ["Herb. Britannicum" (1804-1812) ?] through Sowerby, though "out of regard to him only" as there is nothing he wants.

Approves of Sowerby's patterns for "Flora Graeca", though a correction is needed with colouring of 'Bromus'. Sowerby should use one or two of [Archibald] Menzies' species of 'Boronia', if they have retained their colour, for "Exotic botany", the rest to be engraved for Linnean Society. Does not think the patters for "Exotic botany" well coloured, except 'Diuris maculata'. Returns Sowerby's mineralogy manuscript. Sowerby's sketches from Don's specimens "excellent". [James] Crowe approves figure of 'Salix acuminata' in last "English botany"; he paid 6 guineas for Sowerby's microscope.

Met [William] Westall [(1781-1850) painter and engraver] at Sir Joseph Banks' just returned from [Matthew] Flinders' [(1774-1814) naval officer] expedition [to circumnavigate Australia]. His plant specimens were wrecked on a sandbank but he saved his drawings. Would like Smith to arrange an introduction to Westall as he is a relative. Received seeds from Lady [Amelia] Hume. A dispute between Banks and [Robert John] Thornton [(c 1768-1837), physician and writer on botany] originating from Thornton applying for Banks' portrait [for inclusion in "New Illustration of the Sexual System of Linnaeus"]. Thornton also in a "sad scrape" with [William George] Maton for obtaining a copy of Maton's engraving of Linnaeus from his engraver.

[Letter incomplete: half of second folio cropped, presumed destroyed]

The managers of the Royal Institution ask whether Smith would deliver a third course of lectures on botany in 1806. The last course gave "universal pleasure and satisfaction".

[Smith has briefly annotated his reply] Accepts the offer but would like to make the course longer.

Thanks for Smith's paper for "Annals of Botany", which will appear in the next number, currently delayed. Reminds Smith of his intention to name a plant alluded to in a paper on the irritability of the sexual organs of plants. Discusses wording of title of "Flora Graeca". Death of [Martin] Vahl [(1749-1804), botanist], regrets this on account of strength of his ["Enumeratio plantarum"] vol 1. Death of [Heinrich] Noehden.

No summary available.

Death of his mother-in-law, Mrs Manning; account of her last hours and death on 6 March, day of his and Mrs Woodward's birth. Thanks for introduction to [William] Roscoe, who made a short visit. Glad Smith's mother is to make a visit to Liverpool. Expects to attend Linnean Society anniversary meeting.

Apologises for delay in replying to Smith's letter of 21 February [1805] accompanying [John William] Lewin's [(1770-1819), naturalist and artist] plates; he had begun describing the insects but "the brother here became jealous of my interference and is now to publish the whole in his own name" ["Prodromus entomology" (1805)].

Confirms that the Ambrose Serle [(1742-1812), colonial officer and religious writer] whose name Smith saw on the box is the same man Smith knew in Bristol in 1773, and is a great friend of his. Dr Maver not elected. The Linnean Society has agreed terms for new rooms at 9 Gerrard Street, Soho, and the Horticultural Society are to pay 25 guineas per annum to hold their meetings in the meeting room.

Responds to Smith's three letters of: 6 August 1804, thanks for rare cryptogamic plants and news of Miss Smith's marriage to Mr Martin; 17 December 1804, gave [James] Sowerby 'Boronia alata', 'B. crenulata', and 'B. denticulata', also recommended Sir Joseph Banks' specimens; 5 January [1805], thanks for turkey and hare from [William Fitt] Drake, Smith's old appartments ready for when he comes to town.