Replying to Smith's letter of 21 December [1805]. [Thomas Williams] Simmonds has died [(d 1804), Mackenzie's naturalist], who had made great progress with his indices but not collecting, and his gardener James Mackie has left, so has been unable to do much in botany. Will look through his notes and collection for Smith's requests. Has two boxes of living plants to send [William] Roscoe. Making ornithological notes for [John] Latham. Lady Seaforth is returning home with description of, plus head and claws of a "magnificent" vulture, it is possibly a falcon. List of fifteen plants he is sending for Mr Shepherd, apologises for its deficiencies.