His sister Mrs Nicholas has died, "a sad instance of the inefficacy of Foxglove taken early & steadily". Reviews "English Botany" for November and December: wishes 'Saxifraga umbrosa' leaves were figured larger; observed 'Veronica hybrida' and believes it is the same as the 'Veronica spicata' growing near Giant's Hole on St Vincent's Rocks [near Bristol], [William] Curtis also doubted it was 'spicata'.

Has perfect specimens from [William] Hudson of 'Corrigiola'. Hudson did not introduce 'Saxifraga umbrosa' in his "Flora [Anglica]" as it was on a list of plants which Dr [Richard] Richardson [(1663-1741), physician and botanist] of Birely, [Yorkshire], had commissioned to be planted in retired places so that he could afterwards discover them.

The 'Veronica' he gathered on the way to the Giant's Hole [St Vincents Rock, near Bristol] was in a very dangerous spot and considerably larger than that figured in "English Botany", will send this specimen if he cannot find another at home. Briefly saw Sir Joseph Banks yesterday.

Received new "Linnean Transactions", criticises [Robert] Teesdale's paper [ 'A Supplement to the Plantae Eboracenses'] for being too long; doubts propriety of giving whole floras. An attempted robbery at Hall Place whilst he was in Exmouth, [Devon]. Has anonymously published a six penny pamphlet "Cautions to young sportsmen" in attempt to prevent gun accidents, inspired by Lord Andover's accident [Charles Nevinson Howard, Viscount Andover (1775-1800), eldest son of John Howard, 15th Earl of Suffolk, killed by accidental discharge of his fowling piece], and that there is no advice of this kind in print except single line in [Thomas] Page's "Art of Shooting"; two gunmakers have seen and find no fault with it.

There is an account of Lord Andover's death, written by Mr Coke's desire, in January's "Gentleman's Magazine".

Hopes his pamphlet "Cautions to young sportsmen" is widely circulated and prevents accidents; only criticism received is that it is too short, the gunmakers Manton in Dover Street and Joseph Manton in Davies Street make no objections in spite of its attack on double guns, which form greater part of their profits. Will put his name to a second edition if the 750 copies sell and regrets not already doing so. Criticises fashion for books to include engraving of the author and mocks Charles Small Pybus' [(1766-1810), politician] poem "The Sovereign" supposing "he expects some of the Russian Court Ladies to send for him [...] in consequence of the beauty of his appearance, at the head of his verses".

Page's book printed for Scutcherd & Whitaker, details of Norwich printing.

He has no positive recollection of [William] Hudson's opinion on 'Ulva flavescens' and 'U. diaphana', though it appears he doubted any distinction, having only done so from size; [James] Sowerby's drawing "very bad" according to Dawson Turner. Sowerby has still not drawn the 'Fucus torrertosus' he recommended.

Praises "Flora Britannica" and Smith's work expanding descriptions, "reducing the Botanist's labour tenfold", and new specific descriptions; flattered by notice of him in it.

His hearing returned within a few miles of Grantham, [Lincolnshire]. A friend of his has recognised fern root in "Ching's lozenges" after Farquhar prescribed them for severe stomach pains, having previously taken nostrum of the male fern for a tapeworm in Switzerland; refers to a letter addressed to Mr Ching signed by Ireland, the Oxford apothecary, as an avowed piece of fun by an Oxford wag.

Will examine 'Ulva diaphara' and 'Ulva flavescens' at home. Travelling home with Lady Frankland's brother, Mr Smelt, who married Lord Chesterfield's only sister and has eleven children, and his eldest daughter who is to be a companion for Lady Frankland, lessening his dread of returning home.

Notes and observations on 'Ulva diaphana'; encloses specimens. Had thought that Smith's Hafod drawings were to be engraved in wood by a student of Bewick's.

Forwarded Mr Harriman's letter. Glad his 'Bromus' correct. Approves name 'Ulva alcicornis' and thinks Dawson Turner "very dextrous in his names" compared to those previously stating names. Will bring 'Ulva diaphara' and 'U. flavescens' to London for Smith to see what [William] Hudson named the latter.

Sorry Smith was an invalid this summer and hopes London was clear of its "detestable fogs" when he was there. His own health good since adopting rigid temperance plan of limiting himself to eight ounces of wine a day and no fermented liquor at supper, though cannot resist his own beer, brewed by itself 10 bushels to 3 hogsheads and matured for 12 to 18 months. Lady Frankland surprisingly well considering her anxiety over her three daughters. Recently made some "metallic tractors" for a Durham physician; in a recent number of the "Medical Journal" there is a complete "quizzing" of them by Dr Alderson of Hull, several patients in the infirmary received so much benefit that they returned their thanks in church for their cures, these tracters were made of wood and coated with sealing wax.

Forwarded letter to [Richard] Salisbury. Sorry to hear of Smith's poor health. Unable to procur specimens of 'Poa procumbens' this season for Smith's Lady friend. Encloses a grass which grows "by the Avon side below the Hotwells". [William] Curtis' 'Poa retroflexa' grows near him on dry soil in a thick patch where an old road was obliterated, sees no difference between the two except that Avon plant is two or three feet high. There is no snow and colour of grass not changed by frost, cattle are out and he is about to sow wheat. Criticises [James] Sowerby's figure of 'Fucus roseus' for not resembling any specimen he has seen; lists differences.

Makes observation on upper pair of leaves in his 'Rubus' compared to [James] Sowerby's; brought specimens for Sir Joseph Banks but he does not think there is a second species. Has his 'Ulva lumbricalis' for Smith. Has taken his seat but unsure how long he will hold it and confusion of politics prevents the arrangement in which his brother is concerned from taking place at present. Has just received Chelmsford felons' calendar with 110 names, the Yorkshire has 59.

His eldest son, aged 20, has developed consumption and they are about to embark for either Lisbon or Madeira subject to Dr Ritcairn's opinion. Received Smith's letter on 'Chelone barbata'.

Dr Ritcairn has written him with encouraging account of Madeira so is determined to set out as soon as possible with his son [suffering from consumption].

Dr Belcombe advises staying in England until end of September [Frankland's eldest son suffering from consumption]; frustrated that both Lisbon and Madeira are currently inaccessible, with the latter being in possession of English troops. Assured by the Thirkleby apothecary that his son has no bad symptoms, a usual pulse and no heat to his skin, and that what he spat in the morning was only mucus. As Smith speaks of himself as consumptive requests outline of his complaint.

Grateful for Smith's account of his own consumptive condition which "confirms strongly how much we are often deceived by following a particular plan or medicine from the report of such a one having been relieved by it". Smith's condition is pulmonary and less serious than his son's as it does not tend to ulceration. Dr Pitcairn says his son has no symptoms of ulceration and strongly recommends undertaking the voyage to Madeira with anecdote of a debilitated neighbour who went last winter and recovered.

Details of his son's condition: he contracted a venereal complaint at Oxford last April and having always had a delicate constitution the treatment of it affected him so much that he was obliged to tell Lady Frankland the truth, and his stength had recovered his strength until he started spitting blood; he is now stronger and looks better than he did and is confident that a general and radical strengthening of his constitution will make him better. The concealment of his son's illness whilst he was in London caused himself two or three bilious attacks.

Details of their journey to Portsmouth, [Hampshire], to sail for Madeira on the Falcon under Captain Nash. His son stronger and more cheerful since leaving home and has no heats or chills. They have the best letters of recommendation and gun portfolios for amusement as there will be quails, red legged partridges and rabbits in abundance.

His son's death last autumn; returned to England 23 December. Plans to summer in Brighton, [Sussex].

Suspects that the plant which poisoned two of [Charles Lennox, 3rd] Duke of Richmond's [(1735-1806)] horses is 'Oenanthe crocata', knowing that the pasture is next to a stream by which it grows. Has been confined last six weeks by infected toenail. Praises "English Botany" figure and name of 'Conferva rosea'; found it at Worthing, [Sussex], in 1782, and Exmouth, [Devon], [William] Hudson thought it his 'purpurascens', received larger specimens from Dawson Turner. His botanical library at Chichester consists of "Compendium Florae Britannicae" and most recent numbers of "English Botany". If there is a storm will try to find 'Fucus' about Bognor and Selsea Island.

Plans to bring his brother and colleague back into the new Parliament.

Certain that 'Oenanthe crocata' poisoined two of [Charles Lennox, 3rd] Duke of Richmond's [(1735-1806)] mares in foal; examined the pasture and dry streambed of the Lavant and there is evidence of the horses digging up the roots and their stomachs were full of a white substance like sawdust, agreeing exactly with what they observed on examining roots of this year mixed with decayed roots of last year; the bank of the stream is full of the plant. Noticed a horse cropping the top of the plants which he supposes is comparatively innocent and that the brood mares must have had "depraved appetites" to dig up the roots. 'Heracleum' in meadows here is called "hog-weed" and fed to the hogs. Has not found any 'Fucus' or uncommon saltmarsh plants.

[Wilson] Lowry [(1760-1824), engraver] has returned his plants and drawings unengraved after three years, offers them to [James] Sowerby.

Unable to assist Dr [George] Williams of Oxford in election as his brother's vote is the only one in his influence and he is too warmly engaged in politics to quit his post and only visits Oxford in October to attend the All Souls election.

Does not intend to visit London this year; his family's arrangements for summer. Sent his 'Confervae' drawings to [James] Sowerby but judging by his figure of 'Conferva rubra' fears he will not profit by them; lists the figure's errors in figure and requests his drawings be sent to his brother. Not usually being here at this season was unaware of the destruction of pheasant eggs by carrion crows; they also take eggs and young chickens from his poultry yard.

Sorry Dr [George] Williams failed in Oxford election by so large a majority. His second son is at Christchurch, Oxford, lists efforts made to help him settle in; it is now compulsory to attend Divinty lectures during the hunting season.

Had planned to spend August at Redcar, [Yorkshire], a bathing-place near mouth of the Tees but so uncomfortable they went to Scarborough instead. The coasrt at has loose sand hills with 'Arundo arenaria' and 'Carex arenaria'. Gathered some saltmarsh plants near Chichester in summer of 1802. Last spring experimented with Forsyth's composition [for healing injured trees] on fruit trees and young oaks and though initially dissatisfied with it thinks it has now answered in most of his trials; details results from a laurel.

Can find no person to tell him systematically what proportion of cock pheasants to hen pheasants should be killed and dicusses Lord Paget's figures; his pheasants are much scarcer this year after carrion crows destroyed nearly 100 eggs.