Happy to host the Smiths from 15 October; thanks them for calling on his family at Binfield, [Berkshire]. His health much better than it has been for a long time.

[Smith has annotated "his last letter!"]

Looking forward to Smith's visit. Thanks for third volume of "English Flora"; wonders how many sheets of paper it took Smith considering [Thomas] Martyn wrote 20,000 sheets in compiling [Philip] Miller's "Gardener's Dictionary", hopes he is not overworking himself to finish it. Compliments to [Thomas Furly] and [Edward] Forster.

Thanks for third volume of "English Botany" although so engrossed with Indian plants unsure when he will focus on British plants again. Will send a copy of his commentary on the eighth part of the "Hortus Malabaricus", is making progress with copying the ninth part and writing the tenth, envisages the whole being completed in another year. Sends a copy of his "Indian Genealogies" for Smith's friend. Explains why he has used Latin instead of English botanical terms in his commentary. Outraged by the "monstrous innovations and unnecessary slang" lately introduced into the Linnaean language and the improper manner in which new names are being manufactured. Will soon see [William James] Hooker in Glasgow.

Attended funeral of Thomas [Forster, his brother]. [James] Bicheno suffering from temporary ailment which prevented his seeing Smith at Hale End. Sending mourning rings.

Encloses specimen of a plant used as a febrifuge when taken with peppercorns and water; observations, the people call it "Nye". Their garden not thriving on account of bad soil and lack of a well; a few of the seeds Wallich sent have germinated, listed; hopes for more success next year when the well is completed. Discusses plants to grow.

[Spec 10 written in pencil at top of verso of first folio]

Thanks for third volume of Smith's "English Flora". Has not quite shaken the giddiness he experienced over the summer. Could not see Smith whilst they were both in London as feared aggravating his gout. Sympathises with Smith on death of [Thomas Furly] Forster.

Thankful for attentions the Smiths paid her husband [Thomas Furly Forster] before his death. Her living arrangements uncertain; will be visiting her children.

No summary available.

Concerned by reports of Smith's ill-health. Slow recovery of health of her daughter, Susan. Mr Corrie an invalid all autumn but now recovering. Dr John Johnstone writing a "Life of Dr [Samuel] Parr" [(1747-1825), writer]; granted access to his letters and family papers by Parr's grandaughters.