Thanks for Smith's letter and medical advice for himself and Mrs Goodenough; she has tried the soft soap for her piles but has suffered so long doubts anything will clear them. Harvest gathered and in very good condition. Electioneering has begun following reports that Parliament is dissolved and Mr Brougham paying up bills for the last election. 'Cacalia suaveolens' grown from mysterious roots in a pot. Dean of Carlisle, [Robert] Hodgson, is a great naturalist but has no garden to cultivate and has little time for exploring. They are experiencing some showers but no sustained rain, hopes this continues for the start of the races on 27 September.