Received Smith's letter regarding [John Mackay's (1772-1802), employed at Dickson nursery, Edinburgh] alleged plagiarism of [George] Don, gives his own opinion of the matter including analysis of Don's character. In reference to 'Stellaria cerastoides' and 'Thlaspi hirtum' believes it is due to miscommunications and assumptions, [Smith has annotated in the margin stating similar], and condemns Mackay's "silence". Agrees with Smith's plan to mention the claims of Don and others when discussing the plants in question and saying nothing of Mackay. Some observations of the 205 plant specimens in 141 genera Neill gathered in Sheltand and Orkney, including: 'Lichen calicaris' covering the standing stones of Stennes; 'Byssus aeruginosa' coating interior of St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall, Orkney; and the hardy oat 'Avena strigosa' which is cultivated instead of 'Avena sativa'. Also gathered shells of 'Trochus ziziphynus', 'Pecten pusio', 'Astrea maxima', 'Arca glycinieris', and 'Bulla ligniaria', Rothesholm Head (Rousom Head).

Found 'Fucus pygmaeus' at a great height above sea level on Hoy mountain, [Orkney]. Encloses a chapter on the natural history of Edinburgh [not extant] he wrote for [John] Stark's "Picture of Edinburgh", [George] Don claims five of the plants described therein are his discovery, Neill defends himself and complains about Don. First natural history lectures in Edinburgh since the death of Dr [John] Walker [(1731-1803) professor of natural history] are to be held this summer by [Robert] Jameson [(1774–1854)] who is "fond of mineralogy and the Wernerian geology". The Natural History Society "begins to lift up its head" but has few members. John Mackay's [(1772-1802), employed at Dickson nursery, Edinburgh] memorial erected, will send a printed copy [this was sent at an unknown later date but included with this letter].

Printed letter informing Smith of his election as a non-resident member of Wernerian Natural History Society, signed by Neill as Secretary. Neill has written to Smith on second folio, concedes that the name of the new society "is not very happy" and although named in honour of [Abraham Gottlob] Werner [(1749-1817) German geologist] it will not focus on mineralogy. [Carl Ludwig] Willdenow's book ["The principles of botany"] marred by its faulty translation.

Lists general contents of the Wernerian Natural History Society's first volume. The Edinburgh Natural History Society founded by Smith, of which Neill was Secretary for two years, is in a "flourishing state", botanical members include Mr Shuter, Mr Kennedy, and Edward Maughan. Neill had hoped to incorporate the two societies but due to their different natures and composition of members was impossible. Admits that the Wernerian name has caused some offence. A blunder over 'Dicksonia arborescens'. 'Lichen frigdus' figured in "English Botany" covers Hoy Hill, Orkney. Location for indigenous 'Imperatoria ostruthium'.

His sarcastic review of Smith's "Introduction to Botany" in the "Edinburgh Review" a mistake as it was published before he could edit it, and that it was written years ago for another purpose. Stands by his remarks on its "delicacy", having found [Carl Ludwig] Willdenow's translated work ["The principles of botany"] unsuitable for "young ladies". Believes Smith incorrect on gases and that whilst odours may be products of natural bodies atmospheric air is not. About to embark on a mineralogical tour [of the Hebrides]. Has seen the "very splendid and costly "Hafod Tour"".

Account of recent travels: visited May Island in the Firth of Forth and Bell Rock Lighthouse [built 1807-1810], "our Scottish Eddystone" [Eddystone Lighthouse, off coast of Devon], and a botanical excursion in Perthshire with James Brown who showed him 'Linnaea borealis'. Observations on specimens of heather sent to Smith, asks if one is 'Andromeda coerulea'. Received 'Epimedium alpinum' from Inverness with "mica about the roots", proof that it is indigenous.

Account of a tour of the Hebrides last summer: sailed round the north of Scotland to the Giants Causeway in Ireland in a month with Dr Barlcay, Mr Oliphant, and [Robert] Stevenson [(1772-1850)], engineer of Bell Rock lighthouse. Encountered nothing notable except in mineralogy, plants included: 'Sison verticillatum', 'Hypericum androsaemum', 'Cotyledon umbilicus', and 'Lythrum salicaria'. Observations on rocks, a bay in Antrim superior to Giants Causeway, the rocks hung with 'Asplenium marinum'. Lewis Isles "sterility itself". A bed of 'Serpentine' on Glass Island, the lighthouse keeper aware of excellency of 'Agrostis alba' as winter feed for his cow but unaware of fiorin grass. Saw Macalister's Cave in Skye with 'Rhodelia rosea' and 'Scolopendrum vulgare' and pretty but "ungrand "stalactites. At Orkney [William Jackson] Hooker and [William] Borrer were asked after by the inhabitants. At Aberdeen intended to see [James] Beattie but arrived just in time for his funeral.

Mr Macnab from Kew "doing wonders" at Edinburgh Botanic Garden but frustrated by lack of funds, the 'Dracaena draco' is to cut over in the autumn unless £40-£50 is found to raise its glass roof so it can survive the winter, wishes the Prince Regent was aware of the situation.

Thanks for £31 for George Don's family, visited them in Forfar with [Robert] Brown [(c 1767-1845)] of the Perth nurseries, comments on the opposing characteristics of Don's two grown up sons: the elder, [George Don (1798-1856)], is "senseless, stubborn, unfeeling", whilst the younger, [David Don (1799-1841)], is "pliable, full of attachment [...], and really clever". "The Committee" failed to convince the eldest to "carry on the garden", fears it will be abandoned and that the son will go into the army, navy, or worse. Will try and get the younger son attached to a nursery or into Kew. Congratulates Smith on completion of "English Botany". Maughan has proved 'Solidago lanceolata' as indigenous, still has his own doubts. Results of an experiment for growing 'Fucus esculentus' at Car Rock. A "curious fact in vegetable physiology" concerning yellow leaved ash seedlings "inoculated by the insertion of [a] diseased bud". Neill's opinion of "Life and Death of a Monkey [or the Village of Alton: a tale for young persons" an anonymous work by "A Lady" published in London in 1814].

Thanks for introduction to Mr and Mrs Kett, bad weather prevented them from doing much together. Pleased with second edition of the "Compendium [florae Britannicae]". News of David Don [(1799-1841)], second son of George Don, who has discovered a new 'Carex'. Encloses flower of 'Astragalus campestris'. 'Assa foelida' has flowered, advice on growing it from seed.