His trip to Paris: Broussonet took him to the Académie des Sciences in Paris and has enabled correspondence with Montpellier, [France]. [Jean Louis Antoine] Reynier [(1762-1824), botanist] meddling with politics and may end up in the Bastille; he is an observer of "considerable perspicacity" having determined 'Sonchus canadensis' without the the knowledge Smith had communicated. Purchased [Johan Daniel] Leers' ["Flora Herbornensis"] but plates are bad impressions.

[Jacques] Dorthes in Montpellier, [France], a good correspondent for Davall, though he himself only knows him as an entomologist. Will figure the true 'Sonchus alpinus' in his first fasciculus, now printing [presumably "Plantarum Icones"], convinced the alpine one is 'Sonchus canadensis'; [Jan Fredrik] Gronovius' [(1686-1762)] synonym belongs to 'Sonchus floridanus' as confirmed by [Sir Joseph] Banks' herbarium. Since Davall left discovered that [Albrecht von] Haller's 1338 is 'Scirpus triqueter', not 'Scirpus mucronatus'.

Received specimen of 'Lachenalia tricolor' from Lady Rockingham [Mary Watson-Wentworth]. The King [George III (1738-1820)] "confidently said to be mending". Printing "Reliquiae Rudbeckianae". 'Thouinia' of "Supp[lementum plantarum]" proves to be 'Chionanthus [zeylanicus]', having found it in younger [Carl] Linnaeus' [(1741-1783)] herbarium; intends to give [Andre] Thouin a new genus allied to 'Cordia' in new fasciculus. L'Heritier wants to name 'Morus papyrifera' after Broussonet; keeping back his own 'Broussonetia' for time being. [Jean Louis Antoine] Reynier [(1762-1824), botanist] intends to remain member of Linnean Society and was surprised they thought he was giving up natural history.

In Paris Broussonet took him to Académie des Sciences and established correspondence between him with [Jacques] Dorthes in Montpellier, [France]; no time for the Société d'Agriculture. Deep snow drifts on journey from Pontarlier, [France], to Orbe. Insulted by [Jean Louis Antoine] Reynier's [(1762-1824), botanist] criticism of his Latin. Found 'Carex tomentosa' for [Samuel] Goodenough. Ordered six copies of the new edition of Leers' ["Flora Herbornensis"] being published in Berlin. The lesser 'Caryophylla' in his herbarium could be worth Smith's attention. Believes they both hold 'Arenaria striata' and 'Arenaria liniflora'; the first is alpine and the second is Jurane and answers to plant at Kew. What he thought was a 'Colchium montanum' in his garden may be 'Bulbicodium', and if so an addition to the Swiss flora. Asks Smith's advice on 'Chenopodium' of Linnaeus and [Albrecht von] Haller with detailed reference to various publications. Has been sent Leers' 'Hypericum dubium' and a friend found Jacquin's '[Hypericum] barbatum'; offers to send these and 'Phaca australis' from Reynier's herbarium.

Letter is written around two botanical plates.

[Jacques] Dorthes of Montpellier, [France], an excellent correspondent for Davall. Proposing [Dominique] Villars a FMLS on strength of his book and has initiated correspondence. [Jean Louis Antoine] Reynier's [(1762-1824), botanist] "impertinent" to think Davall should write a continuation of his "silly Memoirs". Requests specimen of 'Carex tomentosa'. Discusses observations on 'Chenopodium polyspermum' in Davall's last letter, thinks a discovery has been made. Requests specimen of Leers' 'Hypericum dubium' to compare against his '[Hypericum] perfoliatum'.

The King [George III (1738-1820)] went "in great state" to St Paul's cathedral yesterday to give thanks for his recovery. Kew catalogue nearly complete, as is his own "[Plantarum] Icones" and "Rudbeck[ianae]". Beginning short course of botanical lectures on 5th May; [William] Curtis now too rich to lecture. Has fruits of Sir Joseph Banks to send [Jacob] Wyttenbach. Davall's 'Draba saxatilis' should be called 'Draba stellata' as published by [Nikolaus] Jacquin in "Enumeratio" pp.113 and 256. Lord Gainsborough [Henry Noel] elected Honorary Member at Linnean Society anniversary meeting. Swiss plants much esteemed in England; Forsyth has lately brought over a large collection. [Jonas] Dryander has ensured a 'Smithia sensitivia' will be in Kew catalogue. L'Heritier has acted "shabbily" by dating his monograph on 'Columniferae' 1785 so as to appear as though written before [Antonio José] Cavanille's book on same, they are having a dispute in "Journal de Paris"; Dryander openly attacks L'Heritier as "one of the most sneaking unprincipled of men".

Flights of 'Ampelis garrulus'; received shot specimen of 'Oriolus galbula'. Examined insect 'Hister quadrimaculatus', thinks it rare. Has specimen of 'Ribes alpinum' for Smith; 'Astragalus monspessulanus' coming into flower in garden. Thinks the 'Thilco' in Feuillée's "Description of the medicinal plants of Chili & Peru" (1709) is 'Fuschia coccinea'. Pleased Smith is figuring 'Sonchus alpinus' in his first fasciculus ["Icones plantarum"]; found '[Sonchus] canadensis' in his garden. Will send specimen of [Albrecht von] Haller's 1338. Wishes François [Borone, Smith's assistant] to put aside as many plants for him as possible.

[Jean Louis Antoine] Reynier [(1762-1824), botanist] should be expelled from Linnean Society "as an arrogant & foolish enemy of Linnaeus"; [Jacob] Wyttenbach, [Berthout] Van Berchem and others in Switzerland despise him for his manner during sale of his herbarium, and he is now renaming plants. Will send specimen of 'Carex tomentosa'. Praises [James] Sowerby's artistry. Leaves definition of 'Choenopodium polyspermum' to Smith. Has one specimen of the 'Hypenica'. Has a pair of chamois horns for Smith. Thanks for Sir Joseph Banks' fruits for Wyttenbach. Apologises to [Joseph] Jacquin for almost naming the [Nikolaus] Jacquin's 'Draba stellata', 'Draba saxatilis'. L'Heritier spoke to him about 'Spartium' and Swiss flora though Davall is shamed by Smith's report of his behaviour. Hopes print his work at Berne rather than Lausanne.

Sending a hurriedly prepared package of plants including 'Cistus' and 'Carex tomenstosa'. An error in 'Spartium'. Sends box of cryptogamia for [James] Dickson from Ducros. Visiting convent at top of St Bernard in August, said to be the most elevated habitation known and higher than plain of Mount Cenis. Forgot to pack 'Valeriana montana' and 'Crocus vernus'.

Responds to points in Davall's letter of 5 May: 'Hister quadrimaculatus' extremely rare; 'Thilco' of Feucillée quoted in "Hortus Kewensis" for 'Fuschia coccinea'; sorry [Jean Louis Antoine] Reynier [(1762-1824), botanist] is in Linnean Society but he cannot be expelled; likes [James] Sowerby, they are to collaborating on a work ["Icones pictae"] dedicated to Lady Rockingham [Mary Watson-Wentworth] with "superb coloured plates"; her 'Euphorbia walleni' and 'Passiflora punctata' and his 'Antirrhinum reticulatum' complete. Sends fruits for [Jacob] Wyttenbach. Lots of seeds arriving from New Holland [Australia] including 'Banksia' at [James] Lee's. Hears nothing from [Werner de] Lachenal [(1736-1800), professor of botany at Basel].

Responds to Davall's letter of 22 May: 'Carex tomentosa' is correct and "right precious", no one except Sir Joseph Banks has seen it in England. Numbered observations on thirty plants in packet of same date: 'Carex foetida', 'Antirrhinum genistifolium', 'Cistus', 'Scirpus mucronatus', 'Scirpus triqueter', 'Potentialla opaca', 'Linum alpinum', 'Narcissus poeticus', 'Arenaria tenuifolia', 'Gnaphalium luteoalbum', 'Filago gallica', 'Carex saxatilis', 'Arenaria liniflora', 'Schoenus ferrugineus', 'Carex montana', 'Carex filiformis', 'Carex caespitosa', 'Carex elongata' Sp. Pl. ed 1 and Scheuchzer tab11 f4, 'Crapula rubens' HL, 'Narcissus pseudonarcissus', 'Potamogeton', 'Avena fragilis', 'Chara flexilis', 'Hypericum dubium', '[Hypericum] barbatum', 'Crepis biennis', 'Crepis virens', 'Salix arbuscula' HL, 'Scorzonera humilis', 'Turritis caerula', and 'Arenaria'.

François [Borone's, his assistant] intention to return to Milan has affected his plant collecting. Visiting Matlock, [Derbyshire], and [Richard] Salisbury this summer. Beautiful 'Fuchsia' thriving at Kew. Sending Davall his two most recently published books ["Plantarum icones" and "Reliquiae rudbeckianae"], [James] Dickson's "fasc[iculus] of dried plants", and 'Smithia sensitivia' as "harbringer" of Kew catalogue.

Sending Linnean Society diplomas and laws and lists for [Berthout] Van Beuchem and [Jacob] Wyttenbach, and laws and lists for Mr Tingry of Geneva, via Mr Mandrot.

FMLS diplomas sent by Smith arrived safely. His affection for Smith. Has a parcel of plants for [Samuel] Goodenough. Had a cabinet made up to same specifications as Smith's. Has drawing of 'Micropus erectus' but no conveyance for sending; easier to send from Jamaica than Switzerland. The engraving he had made of 'Crepis' no longer correct having read [Werner de] Lachenal's [(1736-1800), professor of botany at Basel] "Observationes botanica medicae" (1776) and realised a mistake made by [Albrecht von] Haller; consulted Lachenal's plants in person in Basel. Possible specimen of 'Lichen cucullatus' to send Smith, as well as 'Aretia alpina', 'Achilla moschata', 'Laserpitium simplex', and the 'Gentiana' 652 Hall[er's] "Hist[oria stirpum]", suggests the name 'Gentiana pedunculata', the same as "Flora Danica" tab 318 [extant]. Now has more specimens of 'Turritis carulea'. Only satisfied with Smith's botanical figures after seeing his "Plantarum Icones"; remarks on 'Stellaria dichotoma'. Haller's no.890 without doubt 'Stellaria cerastoides'.

On left-hand margin of recto of first folio Davall has written that he thinks [James] Sowerby's figure for 'Spartium decumbens' "excellent", though there are errors with the vexillum.

Specimen, labelled 'Swertia carinthiaca'.

Surprised Davall did not mention his marriage in last letter; hopes his new wife is "no enemy to Flora". Growing friendship with Davall's friend, [Edward] Forster of Threadneedle Street. Following his introduction to Lady Rockingham by Davall received from her her six volumes of "Hortus Malabaricus"; presenting [Joseph von] Jacquin to her at Hillingdon. Linnean Society in good health; [Jonas] Dryander has submitted "excellent" paper on 'Begonia'.

Davall's 'Spartium decumbens' figured in [Nikolaus von] Jacquin's "Icones [plantarum rariorum]" vol 2 fasc 3 as 'Genista humifusa' of Linnaeus, thinks Davall's figure much better. Smith expects his new work to eclipse Jacquin's, who "falls off grievously". Sir Joseph Banks resentful of his and [James] Sowerby's ["Icones pictae plantarum rariorum"] as he would like Sowerby to contribute to similar work on Kew plants, but is otherwise on good terms with Banks and Dryander and they are thought the "best possible friends".

Gathered 'Carex tomentosa' for [James] Dickson and waiting for 'Lichen cucullatus'. Has misgivings over figuring of Davall's 'Gentiana' as 'Swertia carinthiaca' in [Nikolaus von] Jacquin's "Miscellanea Austriaca" and thinks Davall should publish it as 'Gentiana pendunculata'. Lady Rockingham gave Jacquin Sowerby's drawing of her 'Aralia', or 'Hedera'. Blunders caused by Murray's printing. Requests seeds of 'Stellaria cerastoides'. Received 'Cerastium alpinum' from [Jacob] Wyttenbach. 'Aquilegia alpina' growing from his seeds at Chelsea. Details of his next fasciculus. His joke that a 'Hastingia' sent to Banks by [Charles] Konig should be called 'Hastingia sanguinea' well received by Dryander and [Richard] Salisbury but Banks grave, thinks him "a mere toad eater to the King". Dickson returned from Scotland with many items. Received seeds of 'Smithia' and dried plants from East India [Company].

Asks if Smith received collection of 'Arenaria' from [Dominique] Villars. Davall can obtain 'Sonchus canadensis', 'Ribes petraeum' of Jacquin, and 'Hypericum dubium' of Leers. Requests copy of fasciculus [of "Icones pictae plantarum rariorum"] containing Smith's 'Antirrhinum reticulatum', and specimen.

Numbered remarks on Swiss plants sent to Smith 22 May to Smith, requests the specimens be returned, plants include: 'Antirrhinum genistafolia', 'Potentilla opaca', a 'narbonense', a "hairy variety" of 'Arenaria tenuifolia', 'Arenaria liniflora', 'Schoenus ferrugineus', and 'Senecio paludosus'. Smith should determine 'Arenaria'. Thanks for Linnaean specimen of 'Diapensia lapponica', "a piece of the Cross is less precious to a bigot catholic", and for 'Aristolochia pistolochia'. Found 'Lichen flauescens' of [Nikolaus von] Jacquin's ["Miscellanea Austriaca"]. His marriage. Wants to send Smith Chamouny honey, hopes he received the Chamois horns and seeds of 'Aquiligia alpina', 'Stellaria cerastoides' and others.

Afraid to tell Smith of his marriage lest he thought him "a deserter of the good cause"; tells Smith about his wife.

Botanical queries: is there a good figure of true 'Carex saxatilis'; is the true 'Bromus pinnatus' of L.Fl. the 'Bromus pinnatus' of [William] Hudson; when will Smith publish his volume of "Obs[ervationes] Bot[anicae]"; when is fifteenth edition of "Systema Vegetabilium" published. Intends to send Smith the drawings for his work, though fears it will not be complete before Smith finishes his "Systema Vegetabilium". The young [Albrecht von] Haller [(1758-1823)] and [Jacob] Wyttenbach disapprove of his proposed title "Illustrationes Hall.", proposes "Florilegium Helveticum" instead. Berne booksellers wish to reprint [Abrecht von] Haller's [(1708-1777)] "Historia Stirpium" and have requested Davall's plates; [Werner de] Lachenal [(1736-1800)] declines to edit it as he wishes to keep his discoveries for his own "Flora Helvetica".

Criticises [Nikolaus von] Jacquin's "wretched" figure of 'Arenaria liniflora' in "Collectanea" vol 2. Asks for [James] Dickson to respond to his questions on cryptogamia. Sent Smith 'Lichen cucullatus' and seed of 'Geranium pusillum' for William Curtis, and 'Stellaria biflora' of Linnaeus and 'Stellaria cerastoides'. Has specimen of extremely rare 'Sisymbrium tanacetifolium' for Smith. Requests permission to quote Smith's work on 'Sonchus [alpinus]' and 'Stellaria dichotoma'. Longs to study coloured plates of 'Limodorum', 'Tankervilli', and 'Strelitzia', and for [James] Sowerby to copy Miss Lee's drawing of 'Protea mellifera'. Comments on Jacquin's figure of 'Senecio sarracenicus' and 'Senecio nemorensis' in "Flora Austrica". Seeds of 'Hieracium alpinum' for Smith, discusses this plant with reference to [Carlo] Allioni and [John] Lightfoot and degradation of colour in herbarium specimens including 'Trifolium incarnatum'. Difficulties with 'Chenopodium' and discrepancies with Haller. Offers to send paper with drawings on 'Gentiana pedunculata' for Linnean Society, discusses its flower and similarities to 'Swertia carinthiaca' with five small ink sketches. Will send 'Carex tomentosa'. Asks after Smith's ["Icones pictae plantarum rariorum..."] and [Richard] Salisbury's ["Icones stirpium rariorum..."]. Thinks that Wyttenbach "should stick to his minerals" after sending Smith 'Stellaria cerastoides' for 'Cerastium alpinum' to Smith, and the same to himself as 'Arenaria multicaulis'. Small sketch in ink of his newly made herbarium cabinet in the same style as Smith's; ambitions for his collection. Indebted himself £600 in setting up his library.

Sending parcel of one hundred and thirty plants for Smith via Mr Gooch, some of which are from Smith's desiderata, and with this letter includes systematic list of them [extant]. Explains key to his list: plants marked with a red cross urgently need an answer from Smith; plants marked "S" are gathered in Switzerland and "G" from his garden. Smith has further annotated Davall's systematic list of specimens, marking "Fl" on those incorporated into his herbarium and a series of ticks denoting when he wrote his remarks on the specimens.

Also sends six drawings of his work for [James] Sowerby with the original specimens, and two samples of beadwork from a convent for Smith's sister. 'Smithia sensitivia' and 'Diapensia lapponica' framed and glazed in his study. Requests another copy of "Hortus Kewensis" as the "Flemish affairs" prevent communications between Switzerland and England.

Busy writing and delivering his zoological and botanical lectures, teaching Lady [Amelia] Hume, and preparing his "Icones ineditae" and "Icones pictae". Thanks for chamois horns and seeds. Discusses Davall's marriage and wife; he himself has been unlucky in love although there is one woman who would make him happy. [Edward] Forster's marriage. His servant François [Borone] has returned to England but not currently placed with him.

Apologises for his initial silence on his marriage. Briefly outlines contents of a parcel of specimens and drawings for Smith sent via Mr Gooch. His 'Bulbodicum' is being included in [Werner de] Lachenal's [(1736-1800)] "Flora Helvitica". Discusses his correspondents [Jacques] Dorthes and [Dominique] Villars; the latter has not yet conceded on 'Sonchus alpinus' and says the 'Arenaria', number fifty on Davall's list, is his 'juniperina'. Asks Smith to stand godfather to his child.

Plants and drawings safely arrived but will wait for his zoological lectures to finish before commencing study. This year intends to bring out new edition of "Systema Vegetabilium" and a journal of his tour of the continent. Will inform [James] Sowerby of Davall's directions for the drawings. Davall should change name of 'Scirpus supinus' if certain it is Linnaeus' plant, otherwise call it 'Scirpus elongatus'. Received three proofs of Davall's work from Sowerby: the 'Spartium', 'Sisymbrium', and 'Crepis'. Davall's 'Scirpus triqueter' correct.

Numbered observations on some of the plants Davall sent him. Lady Rockingham has been ill but now recovered. Intends to bring out "Syst. Veg." next winter followed by "Obs[ervationes] Bot[anicae]". Warns Davall not to be cheated by [Albrecht von] Haller [(1758-1823)] and [Jacob] Wyttenbach and to bring out his book as soon as possible, approves of title "Illustrationes Hallerianae". Received Davall's box sent via [Charles St Clair, 13th] Lord Sinclair [(1768-1863)]; thanks for 'Lichen cucullatus', forwarded parcel to [William] Curtis. Spoke to [James] Sowerby about copying 'Protea mellifera'. '[Tussilago] paradoxa' called 'Tussilago spuria' of [Anders Jahan] Retzius [(1742-1821)]. His 'Senecio nemorensis' has "eight or nine rays". Knows no good figure of 'Carex saxatilis'.

Flattered that Davall should wish him to be godfather to his child but could not promise to bring it up in the Church of England as he finds it too close to popery and "believes no nonsense under the specious name of mystery"; explains his own religious beliefs.

'Cardamine resedifolia' and 'Stellaria cerastoides' growing in his garden. Hopes [Charles St Clair, 13th] Lord Sinclair [(1768-1863)] will be able to deliver the parcel of lichen in fructification and the true 'Stellaria biflora' of Linnaeus. Hopes to publish his work before next March and Smith's "Systema Vegetabilium". Thinks the editors of new edition of [Albrecht von] Haller's "Historia Stirpium" ambitious to think it will appear before Easter 1792.

Pleased with [James] Sowerby's figure of his 'Sisybrium'. The bead work he sent for Smith's sister is from a covent at Pontarlier, [France]. Received "Hortus Kewensis". Wishes for Smith's agreement on differentia specificae of following plants, some include observations of his own: 'Potamogeton (retusum)', 'Gentiana (pedunculata)', 'Chenopdium polyspermum', 'Crepis musicata', 'Spartium decumbens', 'Sisymbrium obtusifolium', and 'Phyteuma'. Impatient for the rest of [James] Dickson's answers on cryptogamia he sent so as to be correct in his new species for [Werner de] Lachenal's "Flora Helvetica". Asks to be recommended to [John] Fairbairn, [James] Lee, and [William] Aiton. Genus 'Potentilla' and number eight on his list of plants sent requires special attention.

Smith will receive via Mr Mandrot: a parcel of sixty plants; a collection of views of his neighbourhood; "Panzu" "Observationes botanicae", is still waiting for [Nikolaus von] Jacquin's "Enumeratio Stirpium ... agro Vindobonensi"; [Albrecht von] Haller's "Nomenclator" and extremely rare copy of "Catalogus Stirp. rar. Helvetia", he procured three copies from Haller's widow for Smith, [Dominique] Villars, and himself.

Gratified by Smith's response to his request to become godfather to his unborn child, and as he only wanted Smith to be a friend to the child will give it no godparents at all. His own views on religion: feels closest to God in his "herborisations". Thinks it odd that neither [William] Curtis not L'Héritier can admit 'Geranium pusillum'; defends his position. Extensive comments on Smith's notes on previous parcel of plants. Requests bulbs of 'bulbifera' of [James] Dickson. Requests Smith's opinion on 'Stellaria biflora'. Discusses 'Tussilago spuria' and 'Tussilago paradoxa' of [Ander Jahan] Retzius, and a 'Tussilago alba' he transplanted is flowering as 'Tussilago petasites'. Requests Dickson, [John] Fairbairn, [James] Lee, and Curtis to send hims seeds. 'Thlaspi alpestre' and 'Astragalus leucophaeus' in his garden from Smith. Wishes to buy bulbs and roots of Lee: can obtain 'Iris sibirica' and 'Iris germanica' but not 'Iris foetidissima', 'Geranium relflexum'. Desirious to see 'Cnicus cernuus', and would like 'Onopordon deltoides' "Hortus Kewensis" instead of 'Poinciana pulcherrima'. Sorry Lady Rockingham is ill.

Observation on 'Brassica orientalis'. Asks Smith to press Dickson for his opinions on the cryptogamia he sent last year, necessary for them to be authenticated for Swiss flora. Sending parcel of plants for [Samuel] Goodenough. Including 'Mespilus amelanchier' in this letter [in Smith herbarium, see RelatedMaterial below]. Settles money owed Smith for Dickson's first fasciculus of dried plants and postage of various letters.

Found 'Sonchus canadensis', 'Ranunculus alpestris-nivalis', 'Anemone alpina', 'Bryum pomiforme', and 'Bartsia alpina' whilst searching on Mount Suchet for 'Ribes rubrum', which he thinks may be 'Ribes petraeum'. Instructions for [James] Sowerby for plates of his book, including their proposed titles: 'Crepis muricata', 'Micropus erectus', 'Spartium decumbens', 'Sisymbrium obtusifolium', 'Androsace carnea', 'Gentiana tenella', 'Potamogeton retusum', 'Scirpus elongatus', 'Carex myosuroides', and 'Agaricus venosus'. Briefly outlines characters of each for Smith's approval. Intends to name the book "Illustrationes Florae Helvetica". Responds to Smith's comments in his letter of 25 April [1790] on plants he sent Smith [listed in letter of 27 February 1790].

[Werner de] Lachenal [(1736-1800)] offended at impertinent conduct of the young [Albrecht von] Haller [(1758-1823)]. Transcribes, in French, extract from a letter received from Lechanel on Smith.