Requests 'Protea' seeds in addition to the 'Erica' ones he already requested from the Cape . He has been looking over [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert's Cape specimens; starting to consider 'Protea' superior to 'Erica'; more and more astonished at botanical riches of the Cape; expects more from Sir George Young [(1732-1810), naval officer]. Asks if the Botany Bay plant Lee calls 'Hibiscus' is properly named yet; gave plant to local nursery man but missed it in flower. Last autumn busy gathering hardy herbaceous plants. Enquires after "Flora Graeca", anxious to see it.

No longer possible for him to visit Norwich, [Norfolk], as planned, due to an arbitration against him at Arley, [Worcestershire]. Requested biennial and perennial herbaceous seeds or plants from Cambridge, for his expanding botanic garden; high prices makes Lee the last resort. White [bookseller] has offered to supply first two volumes of Smith's "Flora Britannica", on account of his being so far from London. Surprised that Andrews is to draw and publish character of 'Pattersonia'. [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert's servants.

Disappointed not to see Smith in London. Several of the seeds Smith sent have germinated but not 'Trilium erectum'. Requests any spare seeds from [William] Roxburgh's parcel to Smith. [Thomas] Butt grateful for mention Smith made of him in "Flora Britannica" though puzzled at Smith's doubts over 'Gnaphalium margaritaceum'. 'Pattersonia' coming into flower.

Elected to Linnean Society Council. Has collected plants in Abyssinia and shells from the Red Sea. Offers Smith plants from his herbarium on his return to England in two months.

His work has consumed all his attention. [Henry] Salt [(1780-1827), traveller and collector of antiquities] appointed messenger to Abyssinia by the government; anticipates great increase in knowledge of botany of Abyssinia. Will attempt to retrieve his articles from Sir Joseph [Banks] and give Smith duplicates, also has specimens. Great expectations for the voyage and consequences for book.