Glad to hear of recovery of Smith's health. Sending specimen of a variety of eel or other, found in stagnant waters and believed by the "vulgar" to be "an animated horsehair"; observations. Offers to send Smith a 'Gwiniad' [fish]. Unable to make anything of insects 'Cimex lacustris' and 'C. stagnorum' of Linnaeus. Has sent Smith 'Lichen furfuraceus'.

Reports on condition of local crops: oats in poor condition, the wheat is promising, and the barley likely to be destroyed by weeds, particularly 'Galeopsis tetrahit'. Fruit trees almost destroyed by small green worm, probably 'Lepidopterous' larvae; observations. All hawthorn flowers destroyed by 'Scurabens horticola', and ash, oak, fir, and plane trees similarly infertile; 'Prunus padus' and 'Ulmus campestris' the only trees to flourish. Meadows have an abundance of 'Trollius'.

Sends specimens of 'Lichen burgessii'. Not convinced that the "horse-hair insect" is 'Gordius aquaticus', though it may be of that genus; observations. Whilst botanising at Solway Firth found 'Fucus pygmaeus' Lightfoot above the high water market, asks whether it is a 'Lichen'. 'Sampire' common on rocks and 'Alisma ranunculoides' and 'Sison verticellatum' in every meadow. Mineralogy of country between rivers Nith and Orr; granite unfavourable to growth of lichens and other cryptogamia. Curious effect of a great storm in Scotland and England on the tide. Account of a meteor. Account of his time at Leadhills, home of Lord Hopeton, the highest inhabited ground in Britain. Encloses oak leaf with possible new 'Lichen' growing on it, similar to 'Byssus aurea'; observations. Mr Stuart is publishing the "Pentatench" in Gaelic.

Received Smith's letter from [William] Young; pleased to hear he is still prosecuting his favourite study; Smith's paper to the [Natural History] Society gave great pleasure. He is about to commence his medical studies. Asks if the aquatic lichen he sent Smith has been determined yet; he has found it in great quantities in Lanarkshire growing with 'Tremella verrucosa'.; found 'Tremella nossoc'. Small sketch and description of an unidentified "thing" he recently gathered on the shore [an egg case or mermaid's purse].