Thanks Smith for letters and offer of admitance to the Linnean Society, plans to visit London in 1800. Due to the slow progress of his botanical pursuits some of his discoveries have been anticipated by [James] Dickson and others. Researches have been confined to Aberdeenshire, Mearnshire and Angushire but this includes the greater part of the "Flora Scotica", rich in 'Gramina' and 'Carices' ['Carex']. Has an almost complete collection of Scottish grasses but had trouble with 'Carex'. Anticipates publication of [Samuel] Goodenough's "Monographia" [unidentified]. Anticipates publication of "Flora Britannica" and the positive effect it will have on the difficult parts of British botany. Praises "Linnean Transactions". Has sent specimens for comment of most of his 'Carices' including a 'Festuca duriuscula' or 'Festuca rubra'. Having compared inland and maritime specimens of 'Silene marita' argues that it belongs in its old genus 'Cucubalus'.

Pleased that Smith found new plants amongst the specimens Beattie sent, including 'Carices' [Carex] that previously frustrated Beattie. Doubts over 'Carex' negated. Queries the distinction between 'Carex micheliana' and 'Carex recurva'. Has recently found 'Mercurialis peren' with male and female flowers and 'Carex incurva' in the Links of Aberdeen, detailed observation of it and shall send specimens in all stages of growth. Lists habitats of 'Carex micheliana', 'Carex binervis', 'Carex levigata', 'Carex davalliana', 'Carex fulva', and 'Carex paniculata'. Asks whether Smith has decided on the 'Polypodium' Beattie called 'rhaticum'. Has caused a lichen like 'Lichen chrysophthalmos' to be sent to [James] Sowerby but it may be a variety of 'Lichen ciliaris'.

Informs Smith of additional locations of 'Carex incurva' in Scotland following Smith having only given the location as found in Lightfoot's "Flora Scotica" in the third volume of "Flora Britannica".