His popular natural history work ready for the press. Asks Smith's opinion on value of a "Synopsis of British Zoology" in manner of [William] Withering's botanical work. Asks generic name of the "ligneous ropes" growing on trees of tropical forests, called 'Nebees' in Stedman's "Account of Surinam" and 'Bejucos' in another. Asks Linnaean names of the hooded-serpent, cobra di Capello, and locust of the eastern countries. Asks for verification of [John] Latham's statement that cygnets are fed for Christmas table in Norwich and sold for a guinea each. Asks for verification tale of a New Holland insect still living after being pinned for duration of voyage. Requests Smith's assistance with his Royal Society of Edinburgh candidature. Intends to visit North Wales again soon.

Dedicating his "Tour Through North Wales" to Smith, designed to aid future tourists. Proposes writing a popular book on Natural History ["Animal biology" ?]; his plan for the work; aimed chiefly at women; asks Smith's opinion.

Details of the Matlock, [Derbyshire], 'Achillea', acquired from person who communicated it to [James] Sowerby. Mrs Sherbrooke cautions against adopting new plants from Matlock neighbourhood as several years some gentlemen had scattered seeds of exotics in various places. Does not consider the 'Fumaria lutea' of "English botany" a native of Fountains Abbey, [Yorkshire]; thinks the 'Impatiens noli-tangere' on banks of river at Studley Park was purposely sown; doubts over 'Daphne cneorum' of Snowdon._x000D_

Writing a history of music and then to work on his popular natural history book. Asks if Linnean Society books can travel into the country. Requests exotic plants for Mrs Sherbrooke's almost completed greenhouse.

He has just finished 'Mammalia' for his ["Animal biography"], his present authorities are Gmelin's "Systema naturae", [Thomas] Pennant's "British Zoology", Pennant's "Synopsis of Quadrupeds", and [George] Shaw's "Arctic Zoology"._x000D_

Has chosen title "Sketches of Nature, descriptive principally of the Economy of the animal and vegetable kingdoms", manuscripts now in London._x000D_

Transcription of specimen passages for his "Synopsis of British Zoology", for criticism [2 pp]._x000D_

Intends to visit North Wales again, prior to publication of second edition of his tour; expects to receive assistance from [Hugh] Davies, and would like to access Pennant's papers; will send [James] Sowerby rare plants.

Sends specimen pages of the manuscript for his new 4 volume work on Natural History, for Smith's opinion; the "tribunal of the public is a somewhat awful one to young writers". The arrangements principally adopted from Gmelin's ["Systema naturae"], [George] Shaw's "General Zoology", and [John] Latham's "Synopsis [of birds]"

Thanks for Smith's criticisms and approval of his manuscript; his intention for it not to claim attention but to be useful. Altered the section on bats following Smith's comment that he had made free with [George] Shaw's work. Preparing second edition of his Welsh tour; spent four months there this summer; intends to include sketch of [Thomas] Pennant's life in style of anecdote, which seems to lay "the greatest hold on the attention of the public".

Second edition of his tour of North Wales to appear shortly, updated from findings of second tour undertaken in 1801. Second edition of his "Animal Biography" also to appear; has material to take it from 3 to 4 volumes; new edition to stay with 3; 750 copies printed. He is now using German writers and untranslated French works for information; difficulty of obtaining Schreber's "Mammalia" and Bloch's "Ichthyologie"; uses British Museum Library; relying on Rees' "Cyclopedia" natural history writers. Requests list of suitable zoology books.

Hopes Smith is not concerned at his library and collections becoming spoils of war; concern for [Adam] Afzelius in Sierra Leone. Asks if there is a French translation of Bloch. Collecting 'Coleoptera'. Asks if Smith wants Hampshire fossils.

Thanks for foreign [zoology] book recommendations. Asks for introduction for Dr Morgan to use Sir Joseph Banks' library.

Asks if there is a "manufactory of cast chains" in Norwich. Thanks for Smith's introduction for Dr Morgan to [Jonas] Dryander and Sir Joseph Banks' library, which he intends to use to view works by Schreber and Bloch. Corrects Smith on Dr Morgan's identity, who is a young man. Offers to send copy of his work on Welsh music, knowing that Smith is musical.

Written on printed survey for Bingley's book "British Zoology" [2 pp], comprising a list of animals and three queries on habits and corrections. Thanks for Smith's comments on his "Tour of North Wales". Working on "British Zoology" alongside his county history [of Hampshire]; particularly using Sonnini and La Cepede. Requests introductions to naturalists, particularly [William] Markwick, [George] Montagu [(1753-1815), naturalist], and [Dawson] Turner.