Thinks Smith has a massive task with his "English Flora" if it encompasses all he proposes. As the object of the work is botanical determination advises accenting generic and specific names throughout and offers a system. Does not advise giving etymology of generic and specific names. Attended a rare daytime Linnean Society council meeting, believes that if it is always held in day attendance would be sufficient. Thinks there is "something undoubtedly very preposterous" in Thomas William Coke's marriage [to Lady Anne Amelia Keppel (1803-1844), fifty years his junior]; many people are talking about it. It is expected that Mrs Coutts will distribute Mr Coutts property as he intended after leaving everything to her to avoid legacy tax.

Explains further his remarks on accenting plant names. [Augustin] de Candolle's term "carpella" should be "carpelli". Cannot work out term "sepala" but thinks Smith need not use it. Prefers older name of 'Spartina' for 'Dactylis stricta' rather than newer 'Limnetis'. Franked Smith's letter to [William] Roscoe. Attended Sir Humphry Davy's conversazione but did not hear anything about [William] Swainson's application to British Museum. In reference to fifty year age difference between Thomas William Coke and his new wife [Lady Anne Amelia Keppel (1803-1844)] states that an age difference in marriage of three to ten years is "disparity enough" but as the love was from her side Coke may be excused.