Forwarded Smith's letter to Dr [John] Sims [(1749-1831), physician]. Suffering from a "smartish fit of gout". The engagement of a reader makes sitting in the chair at the Linnean Society "very pleasant". Wonders how the Society can express its dissatisfaction at [Richard] Salisbury's disrespectful treatment of [Robert] Brown [Salisbury's publication of names of 'Proteacea' first described by Brown, see RelatedMaterial]. The Parliamentary "storm" has begun. Glad Smith is so earnest about the fourth volume of "Flora Britannica". [Alexander] MacLeay "most dangerously ill with an inflammation in his bowels", concerned for his wife and twelve children.

Forwarded Smith's letter to George Don and [Pleasance] Smith's letter to Miss Casmajor. Informs Pleasance Smith he has read and profited from [John] Gay's [(1685-1732), poet and dramatist] "Fables". Hopes Smith fulfills his pledge of publishing fourth volume of "Flora Britannica" this spring. 'Hieracium murorum' growing in garden walls of Rose Castle, fears this information will be too late for Smith to publish and suggests including in Smith's next publication of Don's species. Cold weather has made his gout linger. An angry debate is coming up in Parliament; weary of party politics but this is preferable to Lord Grenville [William Wyndham Grenville, 1st Baron Grenville (1759-1834), prime minister 1806-1807] coming in with the "hungry, unprincipled fellows that must come in with him, both in Church & State". Pities Napoleon's new Austrian wife [Marie Louise of Austria (1791-1847), married 11 March 1810], "she is a good figure, it is said, & a fine shape, but her face is not handsome - rather short & wide" and fears for her happiness should she be infertile.

His brother who lived near Sir William East's in Hurley was so captivated by the "poisonous doctrines of Voltaire & the new philosophy" that he thought he had a right "to go out of life as soon as he was tired of it". Franked Smith's letter to Mr Shepherd. Glad to hear that [George] Don is keen to increase his communications; takes it as a sign for his desire of improvement. The carnations Smith sent are alive and growing; they are being kept in the original ball of earth, wrapped in newspaper, and the whole constantly moistened as he kept the roots of 'Ligustium cornubiense' before planting at Bulstrode [home of Dukes of Portland]. The name of Bulstrode "agitates his mind. 'Monotropa hypopitys' used to grow in Bisham woods, [Berkshire], was sent it from there by Revd Sir Henry Parker. 'Primula farinosa' lining roadsides and over meadows in Cumberland, took roots of it for his garden.

"Wonderful [George] Don! What things he finds!", will forward letter to Norwich. 'Sedum ochroleucum' just on point of flowering and the two carnations growing well. Lists the rarities in his garden, in hope of tempting Smith to visit Rose Castle: 'Orobus sylvaticus', 'Alchemilla alpina', 'Campanula rotundifolia' (Scotch variety), 'Vaccinium oxycoccos', 'Sedum ochroleucum', 'Eryngium alpinum', 'Hieracium mucorum'.

Sends two more packets from "the wonderful man" [George Don], thinks Don's 'Rosa glauca' should be named 'Rosa sanguisorbifolia' on account of the leaf. His field containing 'Galium witheringii' has been mowed but will search for more and send to [James] Sowerby if successful, did not realise it was so rare to Smith.

On first looking at the 'Rosa glauca' he thought it had the exact leaf of 'Sanguisorba officinalis'.

Recently dispateched fresh and dried specimens of 'Galium witheringii' for [James] Sowerby to figure. The plant grows in moist but "barrenised" part of Bank meadow, near Rose Castle, alongside 'Linum catharticum', small 'Agrostis vulgaris', and 'Potentilla anserina'. Believes the sparse vegetation of this part of the meadow is due to eing fertilised late in the season with coal ash. Brief description of appearance of 'Galium witheringii'. Sent Smith two letters from [George] Don.

Thinks German botanist [Johannes] Flüggé [(1775-1816)] is correct in use of 'Paspalus' over 'Paspalum'; discusses the etymology, there can be "no dependence upon Linnaeus for learned criticism". 'Datura stramonium' is "equally efficacious with the foreign plant [unspecified]" for curing the "asthma with paroxysms". His yellow carnation has not flowered this year. Harvest now in great activity, they have had a few days of curious weather. Recently endured a very wet botanical excursion with his family into the high mountains, gathered 'Lycopodium selago', 'Lycopodium clavatum', 'Lycopodium alpinum', 'Empertum nigrum', 'Pteris crispa', 'Aspidium thelypteris', 'Parnassia palustris', and a few Lichens. Growing very fond of Rose Castle and area.

About to set out for London, hopes to be there for Royal Society anniversary meeting. The King [George III (1738-1820)] is ill and everyone in suspense over the consequences of the illness, hopes they will wait in patience for his recovery, which seems promising. Was heavily involved in the first edition of "Hortus Kewensis" and thinks it highly useful. [Jonas] Dryander's death a "dreadful loss", praises his skills as a librarian, work on catalogue of [Sir Joseph] Banks' library, and his character.

Impossible to find one single person to fill all the roles [Jonas] Dryander performed, especially someone with knowledge of all Sir Joseph Banks' collections. Proposes [Thomas] Marsham as Dryander's replacement for vice-president of the Linnean Society, citing example of the Royal Society Treasurer who is always a vice-president. Thinks Smith's choice of [John] Symmons unsuitable as he has discontinued his attendance at the Linnean Society for years and no longer has a strong interest in natural history. Believes Marsham expects to be appointed.

Resolved a dispute between [William Elford] Leach and [William] Bullock [(fl 1790s-1840s)] at the Linnean Society, in part by giving a sketch of the origin of the Society, owing its stability to "never admitting society hunters, but only practical men who would have an interest in its welfare". One party wanted to propose a vote of censure and put it to the ballot on the same night, "quite illegal". The matter was settled after Leach wrote a letter of apology.

Clarifies that [Thomas] Marsham has not positively said he wants the appointment of vice-president of Linnean Society; Goodenough has only inferred that he wants it. States Marsham's qualities for the position against [John] Symmons' unsuitability. Possible attack of gout coming on. The King [George III (1738-1820)] is getting better and had "no alientation of mind" for the greatest part of the week. Considers the King a personal friend after he took the whole responibility of Goodenough's appointment as Bishop of Carlisle.