Understands and accepts Hodgson's reasons for resigning as FLS but if he had notice would have tried to controvert some of those reasons. Always pleased to see botany "cultivated by persons eminent in character or station". Mutual benefits of clergy studying botany. Believes the study of nature is "inferior to none in dignity or utility", never meeting more than one "fanatic" who thought otherwise, "gibbeted" him [unnamed] in a note in Linnaeus' "Lapland Tour".

Sorry Smith is unlikely to be in London as early as expected on account of ill health. Will not attend Linnean Society anniversary dinner on 24 [May] as the state of his health compels him to avoid "as much as possible hot & crowded rooms", but will attend the meeting to be admitted as FLS.

Will communicate what Smith says of 'Trifolium macrorrhizum' to [George] Sinclair.

No summary available.

Macleay's account of "poor [Thomas] Marsham" makes his "heart ache". His health "perfectly restored", but still "tender & not strong", hopeful for attending in 3 weeks [Linnean Society anniversary dinner]. Duke of [John Russell, 6th] Bedford will attend anniversary dinner, though he "dreads a hot full room".

Uncertain whether to lament loss of Macleay's office, hopes he obtains what he "so well deserve[s], an easier, & at least as profitable a place". Intends to stay at 43 Seymour Street when in London [home of Aylmer Bourke Lambert]. His dependence on Macleay for forwarding his letters and parcels. Hopes the Society received security for Marsham's debts.

Thanks for observations Smith made on [unnamed] specimens. Sends seeds and seedpods of 'Trifolium macrorhizum' and 'T. officinale' for Smith to determine whether they are distinct or not. His own opinion, based on his experiences of growing them, is that 'T. macrorhizum' is a variety of 'T. officinale'.

Of poetry, usury laws, and the assizes [letter completed 1817-5-24].

Pleased by addition Smith has made to the [Liverpool Botanic Garden] herbarium. A Botanic Garden in Glasgow is on the verge of being established, with a public subscription of £4000 to be raised, to which the College has given £2000; delighted by spread of botanic gardens to large towns and considers possibility of same in Norwich. Thanks for gift of Smith's "Compendium [florae Britannicae]"; keen to see his "historical & critical" article in [Rees'] "Encyclopedia".

[Robert] Southey [(1774-1843), poet and reviewer] is a "miserable figure" and unsure whether his letter to [William] Smith "excites more pity or disgust" [after Smith made critical remarks on Southey's youthful play "Wat Tyler", which had just been published against his will]; the world "too indulgent" of "these converts who play tricks with their personal identity"; praises Smith's rebuke. His daughter Jane fully recovered.

Forwarded Smith's letter to Mr Napier. Pleased Smith will be at Linnean Society anniversary meeting. Hears from [Alexander] MacLeay that [Thomas] Marsham is unwell; hopes this is not a ruse to avoid payment of the money Marsham owes the Society. Smith's information about [Edward] Rudge "without a shadow of foundation".

Has been to Cambridge. Regarding JH's paper dealing with notation. Has been working on his history of functions.

Will see him in London. Is getting on with his supplement. Has seen CB's latest paper in the R.S.P.T. Regarding Mr. Hirsch's theories on equations.

Thanks for Smith's letter and his notice of her drawings of 'Fungi'. Hopes Smith will visit her if he comes to Derby, or [Francis] Boott if Matlock, [Derbuyshire]. Forwards further drawing of a 'Rhizomorpha' and section of the reservoir in which it was found growing by Mr Bainbrigge of the Infirmary. Apologises for not previously sending drawing.

Resigning as FLS to reduce his expenses as his professional situation [Dean of Chester] causes him to subscribe to many charitable institutions.

No summary available.

Schedules time in London next week to cast two mirrors for 20-foot telescope. Details of mixture to be used for mirrors. Questions about casting process. Tells JH to consult 'Messr. Devey' for answers. Plans to visit Greenwich soon. Hand tremor makes writing difficult. Received letter from [Ragreneau?] inviting Herschel family to breakfast tomorrow.

Come on Friday to meet E. F. Bromhead and discuss notation.

Rejoices at the prospect of seeing JH on 10 June, the day of the election. Many supporters of William Clark may be absent. Has been unwell himself lately. Hears nothing about JH's Algebra. [Richard?] Harraden is difficult to move. Tell Charles Babbage an anonymous donor has given £20,000 to Peterhouse.

Annoyed that the second edition of his "Nereis Britannica" was not presented to the Linnean Society, generally dissatisfied with the work but hopes it may inspire others. Surprised by [Dawson] Turner's abrupt conclusion to the "Hist. Fucorum". Received Lamoureux's essay on "Thalapiophytes", a complete arrangement of sea plants by order, published in "Annals du Museum National". Offers to send it to Smith as he believes that with the section on 'Filicus' in the last edition of Gmelin's "Systema [naturae]" it will simplify Smith's work for his "Flora". Has copies to sell of Lamoureux's "Histoire des Polypiers Coralligenus flexibles".