Has found considerable quantities of 'Cistus marifolius' near Dalnacardoch.

Was mistaken in his determination of recently found 'Cistus marifolius' and is in fact 'Cistus helianthemum'. Joining the 2nd Regiment militia in Montrose.

A friend of Smith's desire for rearing birds from eggs and the known difficulties of transporting ptarmigan eggs for this purpose, will endeavour to procure some but recommends that they should travel by sea. At a loss as to how to procure black game [black grouse] for Smith as it is now so scarce in Scotland but recalls seeing "immense flocks" near Morpeth, Northumberland, in 1770.

Hopeful over the procurement of ptarmigan eggs for Smith's friend although there is conflicting advice on how to keep the suitable for incubation. Assured of British success in Egypt [to end French occupation] through information from the Russian Minister in Paris via Mr Lock and the French Administration via Mr Addington.

Has sent a package to Smith from [George] Don. Has been unable to answer Smith's previous letter due to demands and uncertainties of militia duties. Has asked the Duke of Gordon's agents about procuring ptarmigan eggs for Smith's friend.

Sending Smith specimens of a possible 'Ajuga pyramidalis', received from William Gibb, gardener to Lord Seaforth of Braham Castle, Dingwall, Scotland, desires opinion. Despairing of acquiring the ptarmigan eggs in spite involvement from the Marquess of Huntly.

Glad to hear of Smith's improvement in health and offers his own "quack" remedy when himself recently afflicted with two similar cases himself of an infusion of dandelion roots. Has been informed by the Marquess of Huntly that there will be plenty of ptarmigan eggs next season if desired. Has acquired [George] Don a position at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh, which will be of great service to [Daniel] Rutherford. Recently sent [James] Sowerby a new 'Clavaria' but he never writes. Offers to send Smith a recently found in seed 'Asperugo procumbens'.

Asks Brodie to put a new cover on this letter and forward to Dr [James Edward] Smith; contains new 'Brassica' which may be 'Sisymbrium tillieri' of [Carl] Willdenow.

Has sent [James] Sowerby specimens of 'Ajuga pyramidalis' just received from Mr Gibb, gardener of Lord Seaforth. Certain that Smith will be happy in [William] Roscoe's company. Expecting his daughter-in-law and her family from India.

Concerned to hear of Smith's distress, hopes the fever and pain are reduced. Writing to Lord Seaforth may be beneficial to Linnean Society; he has a natural history assistant called Symmonds. Regrets Smith's differences with [Richard] Salisbury; does not think Smith would "discriminate between resentment & revenge"; anxious that as the Society is in its infancy and the Royal Society jealous of its success and "party work" that arises may be fatal to its prospects.

Has progressed with marine plants this season; correspondence with [Dawson] Turner; encloses specimen of 'Fucus lycopodiodes' found yesterday at Lossiemouth.

[Spec 5 written in pencil on verso of folio]

Encloses specimen of 'Gymnostomum donnianum' [extant], named by Dr [James Edward] Smith and to be included in "English botany" for next April, also encloses a magnified drawing of it and letter from the artist [both extant]. Asks Brodie to transmit the whole to Smith. [Dawson] Turner thought it the 'Grimmea pusilla' of "Flora Britannica" but after examining five hundred specimens he is sure it is not.

Letter from James Neill, Lauriston Road, to George Don, Edinburgh, 12 February 1806: describes how he drew the magnified drawing of 'G. donnianum' with a solar microscope, a method he believes is new. Pencil drawing of 'G. donnianum' and specimen of same, wrapped in paper.

Note by Brodie to Smith on cover, forwarding the whole.

Thanks for 'Salix' specimens. Still working on 'Fucus' but thinks he has almost exhausted the coast here; has recently "converted" to [Erik] Acharius' system, and though there is much confusion, the arrangement is good. Encloses [cryptogamic] specimen from James Hoy's, of Gordon Castle, collection; it is not, as Hoy states, 'Lichen hebraicus', nor 'Verrucaria purpurescens'. His opinion of Hoy's character and appearance.

Criticises Smith for doing "so much good" with "Flora Britannica", and then ceasing when "the whole scientific world" is in expectation of more.

Thanks for 'Jungermanniae' specimens from "that wonderfully promising young naturalist" [William Jackson] Hooker. Recommends Smith avoid anything that will "keep up or awaken the gall [...] of that worthless wasp" [Richard] Salisbury.

Clarifies that his comment about [James] Hoy's 'Ossigrapha' being more like figures of Hoffmann's 'Verrucaria purpurascens' than any other he could find; different from [Dawson] Turner's 'calcarea'. Turner has requested specimens of 'Fucus brodieii'; encloses some for Smith. Sent [Samuel] Goodenough specimens of 'Fucus brodieii' and 'F. lycopodioides'; Goodenough anxious to establish his varities of 'F. tetragonus' and 'F. escutentus'. Received new specimens from [George] Don, expects he will send to Smith as well, listed, with observations: 'Orbus', 'Lychris alpina', 'Myosotis nana' or 'M. lappula', 'Silene alpestre', 'Epilobium montanum', 'Hypericum barbatum', 'Erigerum uniflorum', 'Veronica allionii', 'Viola lutea', 'Hieracium alpinum' or 'H. villosum', and variety of 'Lamium amplixicaule'.