Merits of small turkeys "over more pompous large ones". His roost robbed but only old birds taken.

Smith's candidature for Botany Professorship at Cambridge University. Anxious for Smith's success in campaign as he believes it would raise "recruits to the study of natural history". Thinks Smith will be successful judging by the conduct of the university in the case of the chemistry professor. Has heard nothing from the vice-chancellor regarding [Arthur] Biggs [(1765-1848)] appointment [as Cambridge Botanic Garden curator], fears he is ineffectual in offering advice to "alma mater".

At a loss on the subject of Hermodactyls, [an ancient Greek medicine], but is of the opinion that the gout medicine is composed of that root and that Dr Wilson of Yoxford, Suffolk, who has a medicine similar in taste and smell to that of the French, uses 'Colchicum'. Doubts whether 'Colchicum autumnale' is the same as that used in the Greek Pharmacopoeia. Asks Smith whether any of [John] Sibthorp's papers have any information on the Hermodactyl of the Greeks.

Subscribing to [John] Hunt's "British Ornithology". Thanks for renewal of "ancient benefaction of turkeys". [Sir William Jackson] Hooker has been given [Alexander von] Humboldts's collection of mosses on condition of publishing them.

Thanks Lady Smith for turkey. [Sir William Jackson] Hooker has returned from his travels [a nine month tour of Europe] and has [Alexander von] Humboldt's mosses, believes he also collected some novel 'Cryptogams' whilst climbing in the Alps. Was not aware that Smith intended to keep the Linnaean collections together otherwise would not have encouraged Wilkin to make his [unidentified] proposal. Is hopeful that John Hunt's "British Ornithology" will be a useful acquisition to ornithologists. Thinks that Humboldt has made a mistake in his thoughts on the 'Mauritia' palm due to insufficient specimens. [Robert] Brown curious as to the etymology of 'Mauritia'.

Thanks Lady Smith for excellent supply of turkeys had throughout the year. His house attacked by rioters [Corn Law riots], describes noble and fearless behaviour of Lady Banks and his sister. Has confirmed that the French medicine is made of 'Colchicum' and that Dr Wilson of Yoxford, Suffolk, is selling it as a patent medicine, 'Colchicum' now given in St George's Hospital for inflammatory rheumatism.

Thanks for turkey. Asks whether [William] Roscoe is currently able to accept visits from strangers.

Informs Smith he will be at Spring Grove, Isleworth, Middlesex, for a while and encloses £6 for supply of turkeys.

Thanks for turkies and buns. Comments on Smith's article on botany in the "Scotch Encyclopedia" [Rees' "Cyclopedia"], which he had previously neglected to peruse; admires his defence of Linnaeus' natural classes but considers De Jussieu's system superior. Comments on the "immense" improvement in botany since he first started studying it, citing Smith and [James] Sowerby's "English botany", which would have saved him years of labour.

[Note in Smith's hand] this letter printed in "Selection of the Correspondence of Linnaeus" vol 2 p.577.

Objects to DeWitt Clinton's candidature to Royal Society on grounds of his never having lived in England, or being as much a man of science as David Hosack, an American who was accepted on his talents. Believes accepting him in his position as President of the New York Society would set a precedent. Enquires after the Peterson family and wonders whether they have been detained at Holkham, [Norfolk, home of Thomas William Coke] "by the charms of the ladies or the talents of the gentlemen".