Sends paper to be published in "Linnean Transactions" [probably "Plantae Bedfordiensis", read 2 June 1795]; unable to attend Linnean Society anniversary meeting to present it in person.

[Note in Smith's hand] list of members of the Royal Family and remark "success to L. Soc, to study of N. Hist.".

Promises specimens of 'Chara tomentosa', 'Heracleum augustifolium' and 'Euphorbias platyphyleos' in the future. Thanks Smith for assistance in translation of the synonym in 'Fontinalis minor'. Has added 11 new plants and habitats since "Flora Bedfordiensis" came out: 'Ruscus aculeatus', 'Bryum uniberbe', 'Byrum viridulum', 'Marchantia conica', 'Lichen graniformis', 'Lichen tessellatus', 'Lichen coarctatus', 'Lichen haematomma', 'Lichen cerinus', 'Lichen rimosus', 'Lichen awreus'.

Previously sent [Dawson] Turner specimens of 'Phascum crispum' and 'Phascum multicapsulare', the latter drawn by [James] Sowerby who called it Hedwig's plant; understands Smith visited Turner and thinks the specimens "perfectly distinct". Recently sent Sowerby parcel containing 'Phascum stoloniferum', 'P. serratum', 'P. multicapsulare', 'P. muticum', 'P. acaulon', and 'P. curvicollum'; this last differs from figure in "English botany", which he has always considered 'Bryum lanceolatum' of [James] Dickson and "Flora Bedfordiensis"; further observations on this and other 'Phascum'.

Sonnet [by Abbot] "On the Condition of the Poor, written the last morning of the year 1800".

Sending 'Phascum' specimens; his method for keeping them. Finds that most botanists have confounded 'P. multicapsulare', 'P. aphyllum', and 'P. stoloniferum' under 'P. acaulon'; observations.

Sends 'Bryum canceolatum' by request, also 'P. muticum', 'P. acaulon', 'P. bryoides', 'Lichen narius' of Hoffmann, 'L. punctiformis', 'P. curviocollum'; a "singular production", 'P. scandens'.

Thanks for specimen of 'Hypnum smithii' and opinion on 'Phascum' specimens he sent Smith; observations on these, including possible new species of stemless 'crispum', 'P. aphyllum' different from 'P. muticum', 'P. bryoides'. Approves of name 'Salix russelliana'. Finds that the 'P. scandens' is 'Mnium annotinum' Linnaeus; sends specimen in fruit; observations. Sends specimens of 'Lichen punctiformis', and 'Lichen luteus' Withering, which grows on bark of pollard ashes. Also sends 'Bryum rusescens'.

["Spec. 1" annotated in pencil at top of verso of folio]

Sends specimens of 'Salix rubra' and 'S. fissa'; inclined to think they are sexual varities; his reasons. Encloses specimen of 'Erodium moschatum' gathered Ampthill Warren; will send specimens of 'Salix russelliana' catkins when in flower; sent [James] Sowerby 'Mnium annotinum', transcribes comments by Dawson Turner on this, who thinks it 'Trentepohlia' Hoffmann and now calls 'Surculum bulbiferum'. Encloses specimens of 'Lichen psora' [extant] and 'Bryum flavescens', found near Clapham Park Wood, new to England.

Specimen labelled 'Lichen psora'.

Sends 'Primula' for [James] Sowerby; first sent to him 2-3 years ago; rare in Bedfordshire and Worcestershire pastures and orchards; called the black cowslip; credits Mrs Abbot with its discovery. Sends specimens of female 'Salix russelliana' catkins and 'Bryum fragile' [James] Dickson from Aspley Wood.

Relieved to hear of recovery in Smith's health. Encloses specimen of either Smith's 'Scirpus multicaulis' or 'S. viviparous', found Ampthill Bog. Previously sent it to [James] Sowerby with a Cyptogamous plant Sowerby named 'Blasia pusilla'.

["Spec. 3" annotated in pencil at top of verso of folio]

Pays tribute to the late Lady Russell [Georgiana Russell (? 1768-1801), 1st wife of 6th Duke of Bedford]. Desires opinion on 'Pyrus aria'. Despairs at [James] Sowerby's apparent negligence with specimens he sent him.

Has visited [John Russell, 6th] Duke of Bedford's plantation of 'Salix russelliana' but only successful in obtaining female catkins. The late and incumbent Dukes of Bedford and their interest in the species. Thanks for drawings of 'Mentha odorata' and 'Tetraphis pellucida'. Sends specimen of a 'Primula', referred to as the black Cowslip in Worcestershire; requests Smith's opinion.

'Salix russelliana', in the opinion of Abbot and [John Russell, 6th] Duke of Bedford, is not a native of Bedfordshire. Notes on its habitat and "quickness of growth", is known to agriculturists as "Leicestershire" or "Dishley willow". Hopes that Smith's health will have improved following his six weeks in Liverpool.

Account of plants collected on his journey to Oxfordshire, including habitats, sent specimens to [James] Sowerby; 'Juniperus communis', 'Rumex sanguineus', 'R. venis', 'R. rubris', 'Festuca bromoides', 'Sisymbrium irio', 'Tordylium maximum', 'Asplenium ceterach', 'Carex inflata', 'Asarum europaeum' never seen wild old habitat of [John] Ray at Cheverill's Green near Dunstable is lost, 'Geranium nodosum'. Provided for 7 'Papilio iris' larvae which travelled with him. Since returning has also sent 'Oxalis corniculata', naturalised in woods behind Oakley House from Stratton Park, Hampshire. Honored by Smith's classing him amongst his friends in "Linnean Transactions" vol 6 'Salix' paper.

Bedford River "abounding" with 'Chara flexilis' "English botany 1070". Encloses "curious production" with habit of 'Conferva' [extant]; observations. Believes 'Chara flexilis', 'Ceratophyllum submersum', and 'Ceratophyllum demersum' can be consolidated under one genus; observations. Lists plants he has found since 1798 as a supplement [to his "Flora Bedfordiensis" (1798)], for Smith's "Flora Britannica". Prays for recovery of Smith's health, "so valuable to the botanical world".

Specimen of a plant.

Sending specimens of mosses. Frustrated by Dawson Turner's tendency to not acknowledge him for plants he sent; examples. "Enchanted" by Smith's drawings of 'Asarum europaeum' and 'Geranium nodosum'. Sending specimen of 'Phleum paniculatum'. Previously sent all the plants he is sending to [James] Sowerby, including: 'Hypnum denticulatum', 'Sphagnum arboreum', 'Neckera heteromalla' Hedwig, 'Bryum flavescens', 'Bryum sericeum', 'Inrium annotinum' in both states being 'Trentepohlia erecta' Hoffmann and Teesdale, 'Bryum dicksoni', 'Barbula fallax', 'Scirpus acicularis', and 'Hypnum polycarpum' Hoffmann; habitats provided for all.

["Spec. 2" annotated in pencil at top of verso of folio]

'Bryum cirrhatum' the same as 'Bryum dicksoni'. Has recently sent [James] Sowerby 'Allium carinatum' but cannot find 'Hypnum polycarpon' in fruit so unable to send it for drawing. Asks to be remembered as having found and ascertained 'Hypnum polycarpon' and offers to send more specimens if needed.

[Samuel] Dickenson, "who prepared the botanical part of a new history of Staffordshire", has told [John Russell, 6th] Duke of Bedford he believes 'Salix russelliana' to be 'Salix fragilis'. Bedford has asked Abbot to compare the two from "Flora Britannica" and [William] Withering's book. Abbot's observations, which he asks Smith to confirm. Has sent 'Thlaspi campestre' to [James] Sowerby. Has good stations for 'Senecis viscosus', 'Dianthus armeria', 'Rumex sanguineus' and 'Allium carinatum'.

Thanks Smith for mention of him in his article on 'Salix russelliana'. Sends copy of his "Parochial Divinity" for Smith. Explains circumstances behind his sending specimen of 'Vicia bithynica' last summer: he had hoped to be proved its first discoverer, but found [James] Sowerby had received it a month before from a Sussex friend; gives its location anyway and urges Smith to mention receipt of it also; observations.

Sending specimens of the 'Vicia', a 'Gnaphalium', and an unknown plant like a 'Serapias' ['Epipactis purpurea']. Previously sent Sowerby fertile specimen of 'Bryum annotinum'.

Condolences on death of Smith's brother. Returned the "superfluous" Linnean recommendation.