Apologises for being unable to procure seeds of 'Fuchsia' and 'Dodecatheon'. Communicates death of [Francis] Masson [(1741-1805), Kew plant collector] in Montreal, Canada. Believes Masson was "hard dealt by in being exposed to the bitter cold of Canada in the decline of life, after twenty five years service in hot climates". Hopes Smith will be Masson's champion when the time comes for a memorial to him.

At request of the publishers sending Smith a copy of new edition of "Lee on Botany". Explains that he had no inclination to have any involvement with the new edition, but the publishers added his name and dedicated it to Smith in his name, "which is an effrontery truely in unison with Paternoster Row". Expects, if it is "a piece with all Lee's life" [James Lee (1715-1795), father of writer of this letter], that it will contain "many blunders & falsehoods".

Thanks for letter and packet of seeds from Russia. Received Smith's letter of 22 June concerning particulars of [Francis] Masson's [(1741-1805), Kew plant collector] life. Lists Masson's achievements and services to botany, explains how he procured Masson's journals and collections from his nephews, describes his character. [Charles] Konig and Sim's article in "Annals of Botany", believes there is enough material for a "Memoranda Massonium". Large numbers of people coming to see his nursery's collection of roses [Lee & Kennedy's Vineyard Nursery, Hammersmith].