His trip to Paris: Broussonet took him to the Académie des Sciences in Paris and has enabled correspondence with Montpellier, [France]. [Jean Louis Antoine] Reynier [(1762-1824), botanist] meddling with politics and may end up in the Bastille; he is an observer of "considerable perspicacity" having determined 'Sonchus canadensis' without the the knowledge Smith had communicated. Purchased [Johan Daniel] Leers' ["Flora Herbornensis"] but plates are bad impressions.

In Paris Broussonet took him to Académie des Sciences and established correspondence between him with [Jacques] Dorthes in Montpellier, [France]; no time for the Société d'Agriculture. Deep snow drifts on journey from Pontarlier, [France], to Orbe. Insulted by [Jean Louis Antoine] Reynier's [(1762-1824), botanist] criticism of his Latin. Found 'Carex tomentosa' for [Samuel] Goodenough. Ordered six copies of the new edition of Leers' ["Flora Herbornensis"] being published in Berlin. The lesser 'Caryophylla' in his herbarium could be worth Smith's attention. Believes they both hold 'Arenaria striata' and 'Arenaria liniflora'; the first is alpine and the second is Jurane and answers to plant at Kew. What he thought was a 'Colchium montanum' in his garden may be 'Bulbicodium', and if so an addition to the Swiss flora. Asks Smith's advice on 'Chenopodium' of Linnaeus and [Albrecht von] Haller with detailed reference to various publications. Has been sent Leers' 'Hypericum dubium' and a friend found Jacquin's '[Hypericum] barbatum'; offers to send these and 'Phaca australis' from Reynier's herbarium.

Flights of 'Ampelis garrulus'; received shot specimen of 'Oriolus galbula'. Examined insect 'Hister quadrimaculatus', thinks it rare. Has specimen of 'Ribes alpinum' for Smith; 'Astragalus monspessulanus' coming into flower in garden. Thinks the 'Thilco' in Feuillée's "Description of the medicinal plants of Chili & Peru" (1709) is 'Fuschia coccinea'. Pleased Smith is figuring 'Sonchus alpinus' in his first fasciculus ["Icones plantarum"]; found '[Sonchus] canadensis' in his garden. Will send specimen of [Albrecht von] Haller's 1338. Wishes François [Borone, Smith's assistant] to put aside as many plants for him as possible.

[Jean Louis Antoine] Reynier [(1762-1824), botanist] should be expelled from Linnean Society "as an arrogant & foolish enemy of Linnaeus"; [Jacob] Wyttenbach, [Berthout] Van Berchem and others in Switzerland despise him for his manner during sale of his herbarium, and he is now renaming plants. Will send specimen of 'Carex tomentosa'. Praises [James] Sowerby's artistry. Leaves definition of 'Choenopodium polyspermum' to Smith. Has one specimen of the 'Hypenica'. Has a pair of chamois horns for Smith. Thanks for Sir Joseph Banks' fruits for Wyttenbach. Apologises to [Joseph] Jacquin for almost naming the [Nikolaus] Jacquin's 'Draba stellata', 'Draba saxatilis'. L'Heritier spoke to him about 'Spartium' and Swiss flora though Davall is shamed by Smith's report of his behaviour. Hopes print his work at Berne rather than Lausanne.

Sending a hurriedly prepared package of plants including 'Cistus' and 'Carex tomenstosa'. An error in 'Spartium'. Sends box of cryptogamia for [James] Dickson from Ducros. Visiting convent at top of St Bernard in August, said to be the most elevated habitation known and higher than plain of Mount Cenis. Forgot to pack 'Valeriana montana' and 'Crocus vernus'.

FMLS diplomas sent by Smith arrived safely. His affection for Smith. Has a parcel of plants for [Samuel] Goodenough. Had a cabinet made up to same specifications as Smith's. Has drawing of 'Micropus erectus' but no conveyance for sending; easier to send from Jamaica than Switzerland. The engraving he had made of 'Crepis' no longer correct having read [Werner de] Lachenal's [(1736-1800), professor of botany at Basel] "Observationes botanica medicae" (1776) and realised a mistake made by [Albrecht von] Haller; consulted Lachenal's plants in person in Basel. Possible specimen of 'Lichen cucullatus' to send Smith, as well as 'Aretia alpina', 'Achilla moschata', 'Laserpitium simplex', and the 'Gentiana' 652 Hall[er's] "Hist[oria stirpum]", suggests the name 'Gentiana pedunculata', the same as "Flora Danica" tab 318 [extant]. Now has more specimens of 'Turritis carulea'. Only satisfied with Smith's botanical figures after seeing his "Plantarum Icones"; remarks on 'Stellaria dichotoma'. Haller's no.890 without doubt 'Stellaria cerastoides'.

On left-hand margin of recto of first folio Davall has written that he thinks [James] Sowerby's figure for 'Spartium decumbens' "excellent", though there are errors with the vexillum.

Specimen, labelled 'Swertia carinthiaca'.

Asks if Smith received collection of 'Arenaria' from [Dominique] Villars. Davall can obtain 'Sonchus canadensis', 'Ribes petraeum' of Jacquin, and 'Hypericum dubium' of Leers. Requests copy of fasciculus [of "Icones pictae plantarum rariorum"] containing Smith's 'Antirrhinum reticulatum', and specimen.

Numbered remarks on Swiss plants sent to Smith 22 May to Smith, requests the specimens be returned, plants include: 'Antirrhinum genistafolia', 'Potentilla opaca', a 'narbonense', a "hairy variety" of 'Arenaria tenuifolia', 'Arenaria liniflora', 'Schoenus ferrugineus', and 'Senecio paludosus'. Smith should determine 'Arenaria'. Thanks for Linnaean specimen of 'Diapensia lapponica', "a piece of the Cross is less precious to a bigot catholic", and for 'Aristolochia pistolochia'. Found 'Lichen flauescens' of [Nikolaus von] Jacquin's ["Miscellanea Austriaca"]. His marriage. Wants to send Smith Chamouny honey, hopes he received the Chamois horns and seeds of 'Aquiligia alpina', 'Stellaria cerastoides' and others.

Afraid to tell Smith of his marriage lest he thought him "a deserter of the good cause"; tells Smith about his wife.

Botanical queries: is there a good figure of true 'Carex saxatilis'; is the true 'Bromus pinnatus' of L.Fl. the 'Bromus pinnatus' of [William] Hudson; when will Smith publish his volume of "Obs[ervationes] Bot[anicae]"; when is fifteenth edition of "Systema Vegetabilium" published. Intends to send Smith the drawings for his work, though fears it will not be complete before Smith finishes his "Systema Vegetabilium". The young [Albrecht von] Haller [(1758-1823)] and [Jacob] Wyttenbach disapprove of his proposed title "Illustrationes Hall.", proposes "Florilegium Helveticum" instead. Berne booksellers wish to reprint [Abrecht von] Haller's [(1708-1777)] "Historia Stirpium" and have requested Davall's plates; [Werner de] Lachenal [(1736-1800)] declines to edit it as he wishes to keep his discoveries for his own "Flora Helvetica".

Criticises [Nikolaus von] Jacquin's "wretched" figure of 'Arenaria liniflora' in "Collectanea" vol 2. Asks for [James] Dickson to respond to his questions on cryptogamia. Sent Smith 'Lichen cucullatus' and seed of 'Geranium pusillum' for William Curtis, and 'Stellaria biflora' of Linnaeus and 'Stellaria cerastoides'. Has specimen of extremely rare 'Sisymbrium tanacetifolium' for Smith. Requests permission to quote Smith's work on 'Sonchus [alpinus]' and 'Stellaria dichotoma'. Longs to study coloured plates of 'Limodorum', 'Tankervilli', and 'Strelitzia', and for [James] Sowerby to copy Miss Lee's drawing of 'Protea mellifera'. Comments on Jacquin's figure of 'Senecio sarracenicus' and 'Senecio nemorensis' in "Flora Austrica". Seeds of 'Hieracium alpinum' for Smith, discusses this plant with reference to [Carlo] Allioni and [John] Lightfoot and degradation of colour in herbarium specimens including 'Trifolium incarnatum'. Difficulties with 'Chenopodium' and discrepancies with Haller. Offers to send paper with drawings on 'Gentiana pedunculata' for Linnean Society, discusses its flower and similarities to 'Swertia carinthiaca' with five small ink sketches. Will send 'Carex tomentosa'. Asks after Smith's ["Icones pictae plantarum rariorum..."] and [Richard] Salisbury's ["Icones stirpium rariorum..."]. Thinks that Wyttenbach "should stick to his minerals" after sending Smith 'Stellaria cerastoides' for 'Cerastium alpinum' to Smith, and the same to himself as 'Arenaria multicaulis'. Small sketch in ink of his newly made herbarium cabinet in the same style as Smith's; ambitions for his collection. Indebted himself £600 in setting up his library.

Sending parcel of one hundred and thirty plants for Smith via Mr Gooch, some of which are from Smith's desiderata, and with this letter includes systematic list of them [extant]. Explains key to his list: plants marked with a red cross urgently need an answer from Smith; plants marked "S" are gathered in Switzerland and "G" from his garden. Smith has further annotated Davall's systematic list of specimens, marking "Fl" on those incorporated into his herbarium and a series of ticks denoting when he wrote his remarks on the specimens.

Also sends six drawings of his work for [James] Sowerby with the original specimens, and two samples of beadwork from a convent for Smith's sister. 'Smithia sensitivia' and 'Diapensia lapponica' framed and glazed in his study. Requests another copy of "Hortus Kewensis" as the "Flemish affairs" prevent communications between Switzerland and England.

Apologises for his initial silence on his marriage. Briefly outlines contents of a parcel of specimens and drawings for Smith sent via Mr Gooch. His 'Bulbodicum' is being included in [Werner de] Lachenal's [(1736-1800)] "Flora Helvitica". Discusses his correspondents [Jacques] Dorthes and [Dominique] Villars; the latter has not yet conceded on 'Sonchus alpinus' and says the 'Arenaria', number fifty on Davall's list, is his 'juniperina'. Asks Smith to stand godfather to his child.

'Cardamine resedifolia' and 'Stellaria cerastoides' growing in his garden. Hopes [Charles St Clair, 13th] Lord Sinclair [(1768-1863)] will be able to deliver the parcel of lichen in fructification and the true 'Stellaria biflora' of Linnaeus. Hopes to publish his work before next March and Smith's "Systema Vegetabilium". Thinks the editors of new edition of [Albrecht von] Haller's "Historia Stirpium" ambitious to think it will appear before Easter 1792.

Pleased with [James] Sowerby's figure of his 'Sisybrium'. The bead work he sent for Smith's sister is from a covent at Pontarlier, [France]. Received "Hortus Kewensis". Wishes for Smith's agreement on differentia specificae of following plants, some include observations of his own: 'Potamogeton (retusum)', 'Gentiana (pedunculata)', 'Chenopdium polyspermum', 'Crepis musicata', 'Spartium decumbens', 'Sisymbrium obtusifolium', and 'Phyteuma'. Impatient for the rest of [James] Dickson's answers on cryptogamia he sent so as to be correct in his new species for [Werner de] Lachenal's "Flora Helvetica". Asks to be recommended to [John] Fairbairn, [James] Lee, and [William] Aiton. Genus 'Potentilla' and number eight on his list of plants sent requires special attention.

Smith will receive via Mr Mandrot: a parcel of sixty plants; a collection of views of his neighbourhood; "Panzu" "Observationes botanicae", is still waiting for [Nikolaus von] Jacquin's "Enumeratio Stirpium ... agro Vindobonensi"; [Albrecht von] Haller's "Nomenclator" and extremely rare copy of "Catalogus Stirp. rar. Helvetia", he procured three copies from Haller's widow for Smith, [Dominique] Villars, and himself.

Gratified by Smith's response to his request to become godfather to his unborn child, and as he only wanted Smith to be a friend to the child will give it no godparents at all. His own views on religion: feels closest to God in his "herborisations". Thinks it odd that neither [William] Curtis not L'Héritier can admit 'Geranium pusillum'; defends his position. Extensive comments on Smith's notes on previous parcel of plants. Requests bulbs of 'bulbifera' of [James] Dickson. Requests Smith's opinion on 'Stellaria biflora'. Discusses 'Tussilago spuria' and 'Tussilago paradoxa' of [Ander Jahan] Retzius, and a 'Tussilago alba' he transplanted is flowering as 'Tussilago petasites'. Requests Dickson, [John] Fairbairn, [James] Lee, and Curtis to send hims seeds. 'Thlaspi alpestre' and 'Astragalus leucophaeus' in his garden from Smith. Wishes to buy bulbs and roots of Lee: can obtain 'Iris sibirica' and 'Iris germanica' but not 'Iris foetidissima', 'Geranium relflexum'. Desirious to see 'Cnicus cernuus', and would like 'Onopordon deltoides' "Hortus Kewensis" instead of 'Poinciana pulcherrima'. Sorry Lady Rockingham is ill.

Observation on 'Brassica orientalis'. Asks Smith to press Dickson for his opinions on the cryptogamia he sent last year, necessary for them to be authenticated for Swiss flora. Sending parcel of plants for [Samuel] Goodenough. Including 'Mespilus amelanchier' in this letter [in Smith herbarium, see RelatedMaterial below]. Settles money owed Smith for Dickson's first fasciculus of dried plants and postage of various letters.

Found 'Sonchus canadensis', 'Ranunculus alpestris-nivalis', 'Anemone alpina', 'Bryum pomiforme', and 'Bartsia alpina' whilst searching on Mount Suchet for 'Ribes rubrum', which he thinks may be 'Ribes petraeum'. Instructions for [James] Sowerby for plates of his book, including their proposed titles: 'Crepis muricata', 'Micropus erectus', 'Spartium decumbens', 'Sisymbrium obtusifolium', 'Androsace carnea', 'Gentiana tenella', 'Potamogeton retusum', 'Scirpus elongatus', 'Carex myosuroides', and 'Agaricus venosus'. Briefly outlines characters of each for Smith's approval. Intends to name the book "Illustrationes Florae Helvetica". Responds to Smith's comments in his letter of 25 April [1790] on plants he sent Smith [listed in letter of 27 February 1790].

[Werner de] Lachenal [(1736-1800)] offended at impertinent conduct of the young [Albrecht von] Haller [(1758-1823)]. Transcribes, in French, extract from a letter received from Lechanel on Smith.

His wife gave birth to a daughter. He suffered from diarrhea for last three weeks. Collected 'Schoenus ferrugineus' and 'Satyrium repens' for Smith. Will send Smith 'Bartsia alpina' every year. Frustrated that out of paternal concern Mr Mandrot refused to pay more than 10 guineas for [James] Sowerby's work on his plates. Work on his book very slow and does not feel capable of producing a second and in future will send his notes to Smith or publish them through Linnean Society; feels he would be more useful to Smith botanising in his garden and in the wild. [Werner de] Lachenal is not jealous of the book and encourages him as it will be useful for his own intended "Flora Helo. Linnaeus ordine". [Jacob] Wyttenbach and young [Albrecht von] Haller [(1758-1823)] have offended himself and Lachenal in pursuit of their work [new edition of elder Haller's "Icones plantarum Helvetiae"] and transcribes, in French, long extract from offensive letter sent by Wyttenbach who wishes to use Davall's plates in the new edition.

Observations on various Alpine plants: 'Arenaria striata', 'Arenaria liniflora', 'Hypericum babatum', particular observations on 'Hypericum richeri', 'Saxifraga ajugifolia', 'Arenaria grandiflora' and 'Arenaria triflora', 'Arenaria laricifolia' and 'Arenaria liniflora' of Bauhin, now thinks what he thought were two plants of 'Chenopodium polyspermum' are the same plant in different stages of growth. Discusses in detail 'Cerinthe' from one of his previous packets. No longer thinks Haller is correct to name 'Alium angulosum' the same as 'Alium senescens'; compares with plants of [Nikolaus von] Jacquin's "Flora Austriaca" t423 and Gmelin's ["Flora Sibirica"] t11 f3. Discussion of Haller's plants 30 and 31. Anecdote relating to sale of Haller's library: in the same year it was sold to the Emperor there was a fireworks display costing £1500, when a smaller sum would have kept the library. Developing an area in his aunt's garden for shelter and a different exposure for about 800 plants in pots. Convinced Haller's plant number 30, in his parcel of 27 February 1790, is 'Salsola prostrata' of Jacquin's "Flora Austriacta". Plant 59 'Euphorbia gerardiana'.

In postscript down left-hand margin of recto of first folio Davall has written that he has been very ill since writing this letter, and hopes Smith received a letter from Mrs [Henriette] Davall [letter is dated "by post of 14 Sept 1790" but was evidently written before].

Edmund Davall writes: sending small parcel of plants. [Jacob] Wyttenbach and [Albrecht von] Haller [(1758-1823)] have given up plan for their work [new edition of the elder Haller's "Icones plantarum Helvetiae"] and he has refused to allow Wyttenbach a reimpression of his plates for their work; transcribes, in French, Wyttenbach's response. Does not consider it a burden to collect plants such as 'Satyrium repens' for Smith. Procured copy of [Nikolaus von] Jacquin's "Enumeratio stirpium [...] agro Vindobonensi...", with plates, for Smith. Will settle [James] Sowerby's bill for work on his plates, also requests second fasciculus of Sowerby's "Florists Delight" for his wife and commissions drawings of 'Limodorum', 'Tankervilli', 'Strelitzia', 'Protea mellifera' and another "fine showy & rare plants" for his wife's room. Thinks his 'Cerinthe' is Haller's 602, and that Haller may have fabricated descriptions, prefers scientific name 'Cerinthe perennis'.

Henriette Davall writes in a postscript, in French: [description to follow].

This letter is comprised of five double folios, each individually addressed.

Recently learnt that the parcel of plants he sent on 12 November was almost lost on the Goodwin Sands. Ashamed at his lethargy in completing his book. Observations on plants he has sent Smith in previous packets: no 30 in parcel of [22 May] 1789 by Mandrot 'Arenaria verna', no 6 in [31 May] 1790 parcel by Mandrot is 'Potentilla opaca'. Stubborness of Villars, his 'Arenaria triflora' is Smith's 'Arenaria pubescens', confusion over 'Potentilla'. Wishes Linnean Society had a small botanic garden for study of obscure European plants. Extensive numbered comments on parcel of plants sent via Mr Gooch 27 February 1790 [12 folios].

Observations on 'Crepis virens', 'Anemone', 'Saxifraga burseriana', 'Carduus acanthoides', 'Carduus inclinans'. Finds it difficult to remain indoors and focus on his book. Received "Icones pictae", it surpasses Jacquin's work especially figures of 'Euphorbia punicea'. Praises "English Botany". Asks Smith's advice for dealing with dispute between Wyttenbach and Haller on one side and himself and Lechenal on the other, percipitated by his becoming involved in the Swiss flora with his own book, they have reportedly left off thiers after Lechanel's refusal to be involved; details of events and occurences, if not for Smith they would disgust him from botany. Asks Smith's advice: his Latin is insufficient for completing his book and Wyttenbach has offered to look it over, must either trust to him or give it up. His health has been poor, stems from stomach which is weak and led him to becoming costive, prescribed infusion of rhubarb in cold water and a mixture chiefly containing Minderuus' spirit. Believes he gathered 'Lichen testaceus' for Smith. If he should die his books and plants should be admitted to Smith's use, as his botanical work is done solely for his benefit. Offers his work to Smith to be published as Linnaeus published work of his disciples.

Sends £20 for [James] Sowerby to pay for plates, "Florists Delight", and "English Botany". Discusses 'Lachenalia mediana', 'Lachenalia pallida' and 'Hyacinthus orchidioides' with reference to [Nikolaus von] Jacquin's "Icones plantarum rariorum" and [William Aiton's] "Hortus Kewensis". Received visit from [Joseph von] Jacquin who criticised [Albrecht von] Haller [(1758-1823)] and [Jacob] Wyttenbach's "premature" proposal [for new edition of elder Haller's "Icones plantarum Helvetiae"] and thinks this may be why they gave it up. Jacquin also provided introduction to [Carlo] Allioni and had not heard of Smith's intended "Systema Vegetabilium", thinks Jacquin "a good young man" but the botanical chair of Vienna "thirsts for preeminence". Will endeavour to repair relations with [William] Aiton [(1731-1793)]. Has moved earth for 3-4,000 pots, fears his health will be ruined before garden comes to fruition. Intends to send 'Carex tomentosa' grown from root, and intends to grow 'Schoenus ferrugineus'.

Sends jar of Chamouny honey made by bees that feed chiefly on 'Pinus larix', and specimen of 'Psora testacea' Hoffmann. [James] Dickson's 'Dentaria bulbifera' will not grow in his garden. Now has all of [Albrecht von] Haller's [(1708-1777)] anemones except for 'Anemone sylvestris' number 1150. Has not received Smith's differentia specifica of 'Lichen cucullatus, or 'Dianthus glaucus' Hudson, which he has found in Switzerland, would like it to be 'Potamogeton obtusum' . Exists as Smith's and the Linnean Society's delegate. Observations on the 'Potentilla opaca' and 'Potentilla villosa' following experiment planting them in pots and different soils. Urges Smith to follow botany rather than medicine. Lists plants growing in part of his garden he names "the Alps".

Postscript on recto of first folio indicates that Davall also sent box of lichens containing 'Lichen testaceus', and 'Lichen ciliatus', and possible 'Lichen aeruginosus' and 'Lichen common'.

Hopes Smith received the box of lichens he sent, intends to send new parcel of plants via Mr Mandrot. Classification of 'Dianthus glaucus' Hudson, [Werner de] Lachenal [(1736-1800)] convinced it is 'Dianthus plumarius', Haller's no 897. Anxious that [Jacob] Wyttenbach's "submissive respect for Haller" may lead him not to translate his manuscript if anything in it derogates Haller. Just received a box of live alpine plants, including 'Hieracium pumilum' and 'Hyoseris foetida'. Responds to points in Smith's letter of 4 January 1791: 'Ribes petraeum' did not grow from cuttings; 'Coronilla minima'; 'Graphalium orientale'; 'Rosa m' from Reynier; 'Saxifraga sedoides'. Sent [Edward] Forster wild, rare specimens in good condition and received in return a "heap of disfigured garden specimens".

[Letter possibly incomplete: no signature or valediction]

Asks Smith not to tell [Edward Forster] of this letter as he is offended by Forster sending "mouldy oleraceous specimens" in return "for some of Flora's pure & rarest productions". Sends parcel of plants with a former governess of the Duke of Argyll's children who is accompanying Mr Mandrot, including 'Satyrium repens' for [James] Dickson . Successfully weaned his daughter. Will send alpine lichen and 'Psora testacea'. Smith's publications: assumes Smith has finished "Flora Lapponica", asks when more of "Plantarum Icones" and "Icones pictae" appear, would like to be kept up to date with "English Botany", and when "Systema vegetabilum" and "Obs. Bot." are out. 'Cypripedium calceolus' in flower, 'Ranunculus parnasifolius' and 'Arenaria grandiflora' in flower, and 'Anemone alpina' flowering for first time five years after transplantation.

Received Smith's "Spicilegium botanicum", 'Arenaria saxatilis' and '[Acrosticum marantae]'. Describes death of his infant daughter and his grief; he and his wife are to holiday in Switzerland. Leaf of plant number 53 of his parcel by Mandrot 1790 belongs to 'Sium latifolium', quotes [Johannes] Loesel [(1607-1655)]. Will send seed of 'Cerinthe perennis', which he previously sent as 'Cerinthe intermedia', hopes it could be figured in "Spicilegium botanicum". Hopes to send parcel of plants via Flaction before departing.