[Aylmer Bourke] Lambert unexpectedly visited but was in a peculiar mood and evasive regarding a promised visit to Smith in Norwich. Sorry to hear of [James] Crowe's death, said to be from a carbuncle boil. Lambert writes that Sir Joseph Banks is bedridden with a large abcess in his leg. Expects a contrast when either [George] Shaw or [Charles] Konig succeeds [Edward Whitaker] Gray [(1748-1806), physician and curator] at the British Museum. Shortly leaving for London.

Asks if Smith saw his letter in the Bury Paper of 21 January discussing mistletoe on oak; the man who first saw it surrounded by sycamores and maples loaded with mistletoe could not find it again, Cullum had intended to place an oaken bough with mistletoe on either side of the President's chair at Linnean Society meeting. Lambert took young plants of 'Holosteum umbellatum' and 'Sisymbrium polyceratium' growing near his house.

Delayed in responding to Smith by "extreme hurry & agitation" of his new employment [MP for Liverpool], from which he feels a "depression of spirits". Corrected sheets of his 'Scitamineae' paper but was unable to include plants from [Henry Richard Vassall-Fox, 3rd Baron] Holland's [(1773-1840)] copy of "Flora Peruviana".

Shares same sentiments as Smith on African slave trade and assures him he will not compromise; the bill is currently in the Lords, where if it passes its success in the Commons is guaranteed. Has not yet been able to visit [James] Sowerby. Unable to accept Smith's invite to Norwich as he must return to Lancashire.