Defends the Roman Catholic faith against Smith's attacks on it in "Sketch": criticises Smith for "picking nettles and moss" instead of visiting the Palace of Caserta, Naples; for commenting on art and statues but labelling a statue of the Virgin Mary "idolatory"; Smith's hypocrisy in despairing of lack of religious freedom in Turin but rejoicing at the anti-Catholic songs sung in Geneva. Defends the Catholic litany; remarks on religious liberty of Protestants in Rome compared to Catholic priests in England; points out that common people are superstitious in all countries, such as maids in London divining from tea leaves; criticises [Jean-Jacques] Rousseau's [(1712-1778), philosopher] contradictions.

Entreats Smith to publish a botanical work "adapted to the understanding of the English Ladies", being convinced from his lectures that it would be free from the "indelicacy" of books already published, and better adapted to those who only know English.