Recommends John Hailstone [(1759-1847), geologist] to the Linnean Society; his skills and knowledge. Distress of [Richard] Relhan, his wife and seven or eight children; had hoped to make up the sum of money being paid for his herbarium but informed of difficulties.

Thanks for the specimens of 'Salix'. Has recently bought volumes one and two of [Johann] Hedwig's "Descriptio et adumbratio microscopico-analytica muscorum" and enquires how to procure a reasonably priced copy of the third volume. Sends what he believes is a specimen of 'Artemisia caerulescens' but may just be a variety of 'Artemisia absinthium', makes some observations in a postscript.

Temporarily lending dried plants received from [James] Donn [(1758-1813) gardener] to Smith until he sends Smith a list of his desiderata. His interest in shells continues, hope Smith will still send him any duplicates from his own collection.

Extract of a letter from Mrs Merry of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to Davies, 23 Sep 1806, in which she says she has a specimen that Smith is "dying for" but that she will not show it until Smith writes to [Henry] Muhlenberg. Also encloses a letter from Muhlenberg to Merry [not extant]. In respect of the shells Davies, and the specimen Smith stands to gain, requests the portrait of Smith promised to Davies but not yet received. Mr Wyley is to soon embark for the Cape [of Good Hope], asks Smith to recommend any useful books.

Thanks for portrait of Smith. Enjoyed meeting [Francis] Buchanan, introduced him to [James] Donn [(1758-1813) gardener]. Last proof sheet of "Hortus Cantabrigiensis" corrected this morning.

Requests Smith's assistance in finding a builder to rebuild the Parsonage House at his friend's Rev Trivett's new living near Yarmouth, Norfolk. Recalls seeing 'Mespilus germanica' in Sussex, compares it to figures in several works and concludes that the one in "English Botany" is a cultivated variety. Asks why [Thomas] Martyn has not been mentioned in "Hortus Kewensis" as the publisher of [Philip] Miller's "Gardener's Dictionary". [James] Donn [(1758-1813) gardener] is publishing another edition of "Hortus Cantabrigiensis".