Deserves explusion from Linnean Society from his neglect of it; unsure whether it noticed his memorandum on red viper or if [Thomas] Rackett received his letter on it. Seriously ill for last three years with low nervous disorder which leaves him uninterested in anything, thinks the complaint unusual and lists symptoms: barely able to stand though appetite and digestion good, pulse strong, gaining weight, looks as well as 10 years ago and memory nor judgment failing yet. Has beautiful plants of 'Chrysanthemum indium' like the figures in "Hort Trans" and very successful with "Arach pear".

He has been very ill for the last 9 months. Thanks for turkey; pleased to hear the Smiths will visit in the spring. The 'Vicia' Smith mentioned is [John] Sibthorp's 'V. angustifolia', not the 'V. lathyroides' of [William] Hudson; will write further on the 'Cnicus', it grows near Tunbridge Wells, [Kent]. Recommends [Robert] Brown as first choice or [James] Bicheno as second for Linnean Society Secretaryship, or [Edward] Barnard.