Numbered observations on enclosed specimens, requests Smith's opinion: 1. a 'Galium' [Smith annotation: "'G. veri' var?"]; 2. a 'Carex' [Smith annotation: "'recurva'"]; 3. a 'Euphorbia' [Smith annotation: "'portlandica'"]; 4. a 'Bryum'; 5. a 'Bryum', possibly 'B. elongatum' of [James] Dickson [Smith annotation: "yes"]; 6. a 'Stellaria' he has cultivated for 2 years [Smith annotation: "'scapigera'"]; 7. a 'Fistula' found growing among roots of 'Arundo arenaria' in 1796 [Smith annotation: "'rubra'"]; 8. supposed 'Torritus alpina', found with 'Carex' no.2.; 9. an 'Achillea' quite distinct from 'A. alpina'.

Thanks for information in Smith's last letter; discusses confusion regarding his and [John] Mackay's [(1772-1802), employed at Dickson nursery, Edinburgh] specimens of 'Thlaspi hirtum' and discovery of the plant; discusses "certain people" taking the credit for plant discoveries when not due, and Dr [John] Walker's [(1731-1803)], professor of natural history at Edinburgh, subsequent guardedness over his herbarium; his dissatisfaction with Mackay and [Robert] Brown over claiming credit.

Numbered observations on enclosed plants: 1. a 'Potomogeton'; 2. a 'Juncus'; 3. an 'Arenaria'; 4. 'Epilobium cordifolium', believes it distinct from the normal 'E. cordifolium'; 5. a 'Carex'; 6. a 'Calatouche'; 7. a 'Cochelaria'; 8. 'Saxifraga nivalis'; 9. a 'Peziza' found on leaves of 'Carex pulla'; 10. a 'Lycoperdon'; 11. 'Bryum ricursotum'; 12. a new 'Bryum'; 13. nondescript 'Hypnum', proposes name 'H. alpinum'; 14. nondescript 'Hypnum'; 15. 'Bryum nudum'; 16. 'Splachnum purpureum'; 17. 'Splachnum ovatum'; 18. 'Hypnum asplenioides'; 'Stellaria scopigera'; 19. a 'Phascum' which he calls 'P. maritium' [Smith annotation: "'Gymnost[omum]'"] ; 20. a 'Polytrichum'; 21. a 'Lichen' gathered with no.11 [Smith annotation: "'crenulata'"]; 22. nondescript 'Helvela'; 23. a 'Hypnum' resembling 'H. fontinalis'; 24. a 'Bryum' [Smith annotation: "'rufescens"]; 25. a 'Peziza' found growing on 'Urtica dioica'; 26. a 'Boletus'; 27. a 'Sergula'.

Included as many cryptogams as possible, knowing Smith is working on that part of "Flora Britannica".

Despite not having received responses to either the letter he wrote to Smith some time ago or specimens of flowering 'Saxifraga' he sent to [James] Sowerby and Cambridge three years ago, he now encloses 'Saxifraga' specimens [extant] for Smith's opinion.

Numbered observations on enclosed specimens [extant]: 1. 'Saxifraga' [Smith annotation: "'caespitosa'"]; 2. 'Saxifraga' [Smith annotation: "'palmata'"]; 'Saxifraga' [Smith annotation: "'hypnoides'"]; 4. nondescript 'Saxifraga'; 5. 'Saxifraga' [Smith annotation: "unknown to me"]; 6. 'Viola protea' [Smith annotation: "perhaps Mr Crowe's new one"]; 7. 'Potentilla verna' [Smith annotation: "? 'verna'"]; 8. 'Potentilla' [Smith annotation: "'verna'"]; 9. 'Potentilla' [Smith annotation: "'aurea'"]; 10. 'Potentilla' [Smith annotation: "new?"]; 11. 'Bryum'.

14 numbered specimens: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10.

Introduces Mr Simmonds, who is studying medicine in Edinburgh; he is fond of natural history and has studied marine animals. Encloses specimen of 'Poa flexuosa' in rare state, collected from Ben Nevis in June 1794, a moss believed to be 'Fontinalis capillacea', and 'Marchantia androgyna'.

Three specimens, 1 grass and two mosses.

Thanks for letter of 6 March [1802], comments on dispute with [Arthur] Bruce [(c 1725-1805), land surveyor] over discovery of 'Convallaria verticillata'.

Numbered observations on 42 enclosed moss specimens [extant], including: 1. 'Orthotrichum saxatile'; 2. 'O. piliferum'; 3. 'O. tortuaforum'; 4. 'O.striatum'; 5. 'O. rupestre'; 6. 'O. obtusifolium'; 7. like 'O. saxatile'; 8-9. two unknown 'Phascum'; 10. 'P. corvicoulor'; 11. 'P. inundatum'; 12. 'Riccia fructicosa'; 13. possible 'Bryum splachnoides'; 14. unknown 'Lepidium'; 15. 'B. fasciculare' or 'B. paucifolium'; 16. 'Hedwigia fasciulatum'; 17-18. two unknown 'Bryum'; 19. unknown 'Hypnum'; 20. 'Splachnum rugosum'; 21. unknown 'Spalchnum'; 22. 'S. breviranum'; 23. 'S. vasculosa'; 24. 'S. mnioides'; 25. 'S. breviranum'; 26. 'Bryum tenuis'; 27. 'B. brevifolium'; 28. 'B. lineare'; 29. 'B.scoparium'; 30-32. three unknown 'Bryum'; 33. 'B. septentrionale'; 34. 'Polytrichum gracile'; 35. unknown 'Polytrichum'; 36. 'B. uncoides'; 37-38. new 'Bryum'; 39 'Hypnum filiforme'; 40. unknown 'Hypnum'; 41. unknown 'Lichen'; 42. unknown 'Hypnum'.

Requests English moss specimens. Would like to purchase Smith's book on cryptogams when it is published.

42 specimens of mosses, numbered.

Received Smith's letter; has looked out some of cryptogamic specimens gathered last summer, sent several to [James] Sowerby.

Numbered observations on enclosed 18 specimens [some extant], including: 1. 'Dicranum ovale' [Smith annotation: "may be 'Dicr. ovale'']; 2. a new 'Dicranum' [Smith annotation: "laid in surely new - leaves like 'Gymnostomum ciliatum', might be called 'pilaceum']; 3. 'Bryum maritium' [Smith annotation: "surely 'Bryum dealbatum'"]; 4. 'Fissidens polycorpus' of Hedwig [Smith annotation: ''Dicr. polycarpum' right"]; 5. specimen [Smith annotation: "too imperfect, may be 'Tortula mucronulata'"]; 6. specimen [Smith annotation: "postponed"]; 7. specimen [Smith annotation: "not 'Gymnostomum curvirostrum'']; 8. specimen [Smith annotation: ''Dicranum purpureum''; 9. 'Dicranum cerviculatum' or 'D. heteromallum' [Smith annotation: ''D. subulatum'']; 10. 'Dicranum longifolium' or 'D. scorparium' var. [Smith annotation: ''D. fuscescens']; 11. specimen [Smith annotation: ''Lichen luridus'']; 12. specimen; 13. specimen [Smith annotation: 'Lichen exiguus']; 14. specimen [Smith annotation on specimen label: ''Tortula ungiculata' Fl. Brit"]; 15. 'Bryum nivales'; 16. nondescript 'Hypnum' called 'H. elegans' in his herbarium; 17. 'Splachnum urceolatum' [Smith annotation: 'mnioides', not 'urceolatum']; 18. 'Splachnum gracile' [Smith annotation: 'tenue'].

Desires Smith's opinion; will send another package which will include 'Bryum nudum'. Note on cover in Smith's hand: "all laid in that are material".

5 numbered specimens of cryptogams: 7, 2, 8, 13, 14, some also named.

Numbered observations on enclosed cryptogam specimens, several of which he thinks are common: 1. 'Polytrichum' [Smith annotation: "var[iet]y of 'commune'"]; 2. 'Polytrichum' [Smith annotation: "'gracile'"]; 3. 'Polytrichum' [Smith annotation: "very near 'commune', I should think it that but for the nodding capsules"]; 4. 'Polytrichum' [Smith annotation: "new - original 'strictum' of Banks"]; 5. 'Polytrichum hercynicum' [Smith annotation: "good"]; 6. 'Splachnum' resembling [James] Dickson's 'tenue' [Smith annotation: "true"] ; 7. 'Phascum' [specimen extant] [Smith annotation: "'patens'?"]; 8. 'Splachnum rogosum', previously sent to Dickson 9 and 4 years ago.

Numbered observations on enclosed plant specimens: 1. a new 'Elymus', proposes name 'E. alpinus' [Smith annotation: "surely only 'Triticum caninum' [...] Tis no 'Elymus', returned the specimen"]; 2. an 'Anthemis' which he calls 'A. hybrida'.

One specimen, labelled, "no.7 'Phascum patens'?"

Has sent some specimens for Smith's opinion, as well as the 'Orthotrichum piliferum', 'Saxifraga', and 'Potentilla' specimens he sent some time ago; would have sent the others before now but the death of his son, James Brodie Don, on 27 April "embarrassed" his feelings for some time.

As previously discussed he intends to publish a "Hortus Siccus", but after [James] Brodie pointed out the opposition he would likely face from [James] Dickson, has decided to only publish in Scotland; intends to publish 4 times a year containing 25 specimens, asks Smith to provide names of any interested parties.

Numbered observations on enclosed specimens: 1. 'Sisymbrium tibliori' [Smith annotation: "'Sisymbrium monense' laid in"]; 2. 'Crataegus' [Smith annotation: "'Crataegus oxycantha' laid in]; 3. a 'Lichen' [Smith annotation: "new, laid into deal cabinet"]; 4. 'Crataegus' found with no.2 [Smith annotation: "var[iet]y"]; 5. 'Lolium hybridum', believes nondescript, sent to [James] Dickson 1795 [Smith annotation: "'L. arvense'"]; 6. 'Carex' [Smith annotation: "may be new 'C. salina' Sw[artz]"]; 7. 'Aira' differs from 'aquatica', like 'Poa retroflexo' [Smith annotation: "var[iet]y'].

Recently saw 'Assium petrafilium'. Observations on 'Valeriana pyrenaica', found 1782 and 1804. Will send a new 'Galium' and other things soon.

Asks Brodie to put a new cover on this letter and forward to Dr [James Edward] Smith; contains new 'Brassica' which may be 'Sisymbrium tillieri' of [Carl] Willdenow.

Encloses specimens of a rare 'Galium' and two 'Sagina'; observations. Observations on 'Poa alpina', 'Lolium arvensis', and 'Eriophorum alpinum' [Smith has annotated in margins]. Thanks Smith for introduction to [Pierre Marie Auguste] Broussonet.

Separate note on specimen of 'Scirpus multicaulis' [specimen extant].

Numbered observations on enclosed specimens: 1. 'Hieracium cerinthoides', possibly a variety 'H. cerinthoides' of Linnaeus [Smith annotation: "'cerinthoides' laid in"]; 2. a one year old plant of 'Thalpsi incanum' and 'Sagina morina' [Smith annotation: "burnt"]; 3. a lichen which [Dawson] Turner thinks new [Smith annotation: "see letter of June 7 1803"].

Ill with an inflammatory sore throat for a fortnight. At Smith's request will attempt to provide specific distinction between 'Thlaspi incanum' and 'T. campestre'; numbered observations on differences [also labelled specimens of stem leaves and silicles of each].

Thinks that 'Epilobium cordifolium' seems to stand between 'E. alpinnum' and 'E. montanum'; numbered observations supporting his claim. Numbered observations on enclosed specimens: 1. 'Galium' seeds, either 'G. lemnius' or new; 2. a 'Phascum', probably 'P. nitidum' [Smith annotation: "i.e. 'axillare' right"]; 3. a 'Poa' [Smith annotation: "'glauca' Fl. Brit.? laid in"]; 4. a 'Lichen' possibly 'L. sedum' in fructification [Smith annotation: "'orostheus'? laid in"]; 5. a 'Myostis'.

Believes he sent [James] Sowerby a good specimen of 'Fissidens polycorpus' of Hedwig.

Labelled specimens of 4 stem leaves and silicles of 'Thlaspi incanum'; 2 stem leaves and silicles of 'T. campestre'; 'Phascum nitidum' [Smith annotation: "i.e. 'axillare' right"]; and a piece of bark with lichen fragments.

Has not received any answer to his previous letters, would be glad to have his queries answered.

Numbered observations on enclosed specimens: 1. 'Filago acaulis' [Smith annotation: "not at all like 'Filago acaulis'"]; 2. 'Hypnum riparioides' [Smith annotation: "right, but not rare"]; 3. possible 'Byssus lepro-viride' of [Alexander von] Humboldt distinct from 'Botryoides' [Smith annotation: "surely 'Botryoides'"]; 4. 'Spalchnum' species [Smith annotation: "'lingulatum'"]; 5. 'Bryum', in family 'Dicranum' [Smith annotation: "'D. virens' Schwartz new!"]; 6. 'Bryum ovatum' [Smith annotation: "'Gymn. ovatum'"]; 7. species of 'Eriophorum' like 'angustifolium' [Smith annotation: "'Erioph. polystachium'"].

Observations on 'Erigeron alpinum' found 6 miles from Perth; 'Linnea borealis' and 'Serapias grandiflora' of Lightfoot found in woods near Perth, as well as 'Boletus labyrinthiformis'. Asks Smith's opinion of specimen of plant "taking possession of the leaves of 'Pisum sativum' [Smith annotation: "'Aecidium'?"].

Suprised to find that on opening his specimen of 'Splachnum uncelatum' it separated, so doubts it is the same as 'S. lingulatum'.

Thanks for information in letter of 30 December [1803]; remarks on 'Splachnum urceolatum' and Much obliged for information contained in previous letter; comments on 'Splachnum urceolatum' and 'Byssus lepro-viridus'. Encoses specimens of 'Alopecurus alpinus' and 'Poa flexuosa'.

Numbered observations on enclosed specimens: 1-5. 'Lichen'; 6. 'Lotus'; 7. another 'Lichen'. Would like Smith's opinion on 'Galium arvensis', 'Bryum', 'Hypnum', and 'Orthotrichum' sent in previous letters. Accepts Smith's offer to send "Flora Britannica", would also like any cryptogam specimens.

Observations on what he thinks is 'Hypnum ruscifolium'. Would like Smith to take another look at an 'Eriophorum' previously sent, which he is sure is 'E. angustifolium'.

Numbered observations on enclosed specimens, largely collected in summer of 1802: 1. a nondescript 'Phascum', proposes name 'P. inundatum' or 'P. purpureum' [Smith annotation: "'Ph. stoloniferum'"]; 2. 'Orthotrichum bipartium'; 3. 'Fissidens polycarpus' [Smith annotation: "D. 'polycarpum'"]; 4. 'Dicranium flagillaris' [Smith annotation: "'D. furescens'"]; 5. a 'Bryum' near 'B. pulvinatum' but distinct; 6. probably a variety of no.4; 7. a 'Bryum'; 8. what he now thinks a 'Grimmia', previously 'B. acutum' Linnaeus; 9. possible variety of 'B. acutum'; 10. 'Bryum patens'; 11. variety of 'B. patens'; 12. variety of 'B. patens'; 13. 'Bryum sericeum' or 'B. elongatum'; 14-16. 'Bryum'.

Forgot to include specimens of 'Alopecurus alpinus' and 'Poa flexuosa' mentioned in his last letter, encloses with this letter.

Numbered observations on enclosed specimens: 1. a 'Hypnum' possibly 'H. flagillari' of Dickson; 2. a 'Hypnum' near 'H. scorpioides'; 3. a 'Hypnum' near to 'denticulatum'; 4. 'Hypnum uncinatum'; 5. a 'Hypnum' he believes to be 'H. filimontasum'; 6. a 'Hypnum' near to 'H. serpens'; 7. an unknown 'Hypnum'; 8. possible 'Hypnum uncenatum'; 9. an unknown 'Hypnum'; 10. an unknown 'Hypnum'; 11. possibly 'Hypnum scorpioides'; 12. an unknown 'Hypnum'; 13. an unknown 'Hypnum'; 14. possible 'Bryum mucronulatum'; 15. a 'Bryum' variety of no.14; 16. new species of 'Helvela'; 17. a 'Bryum' formerly thought to be 'B. hypnoides'; 18. 'Bryum nudum'; 19. a 'Jungermannia'; 20. a 'Phascum'; 21. a 'Lichen'; 22. a 'Lichen'; 23. 'Grimmia recurvat'.

Asks Smith's opinion of the 'Dicranium ovale' he sent [Dawson] Turner in 1802, and which Turner thinks is 'Trichostomum microcarpon'.

Twenty numbered specimens, some with annotations by Smith; numbers 7, 20, and 22 not extant.

Sends several copies of prospectus [for his work "Herbarium Britannicum" (1804-1812)], a sheet explaining his method for choosing habitats, preferring those not hitherto published by any author, and a magazine containing account by Mr Neil of the life of [John] Mackay [(1772-1802), employed at Dickson nursery, Edinburgh], errors with list of plants.

Numbered observations on enclosed specimens: 1. 'Lycopodium annotinum' of Linnaeus; 2. 'Erica vulgaris'; 3. a 'Galium' or 'Asperula' [Smith annotation: "'G. palustre' caule & pedunc. scabris"]; 4. a nondescript 'Saxifraga' he previously called 'S. tinctoria'; 5. a 'Draba' related to 'D. verna', cultivated 10 years [Smith annotation: "'verna'?"].

Has heard from [John Leonard] Knapp that he has found the 'Aira ulginosa' he [Don] sent Smith some years ago.

Just received "Flora Britannica" and "a valuable collection of specimens" from Smith, which are useful to him when preparing to set out on botanical excursions, one of which he hopes to make in 4 week's time.

Observations on enclosed 'Hypnum crista-castrensis', which he has known since 1787. Has found 'Hemerocallis flava' but it seldom flowers. Intends to send several possible new mosses along with collection of lichens and jungermannia. Will send the first number of his fasciculus ["Herbarium Britannicum" (1804-1812)] for Smith to [James] Sowerby, details of the printing. [James] Donn [(1758-1813), curator of Cambridge Botanic Garden] of Cambridge is an old acquaintance of his but of no relation, first met at Kew in 1785. Lists plants to appear in next fascicule, for Smith's opinion. Also sends Smith specimen of 'Dicranum flavescens'. List of his desiderata, largely cryptogams, some have marks against them.

Two specimens. Small piece of note paper, annotated "for G Don 'Dicranum subulatum' Hedw.".

Encloses his moss desiderata [not extant]. Encloses specimens, including: 'Myostis', 'Fontinalis capillacea' called Moss of Copens, mosses, and 'Hypnum triforium'; observations [Smith has annotated in margin].