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Asks what Linneaus meant by the word 'Aethiopia' when applied to the habitat of plants. Asks which tree produces the "slender cane used for extending the troops of Indies". Currently working on the ninth folio volume of his "Outlines of the Globe" according to plan in his "Introduction to the Arctic Zoology".

Intends to use title "Aethiopial Africa" for third volume of ["Outlines of the Globe"]. Asks if Smith knows of any large trees in the Isles of Bourbon [now Réunion, east of Madagascar]. Would like Smith and [William] Hudson to visit him. Shall not publish anymore as he intends his manuscripts for posthumous publication.

Thanks for election to Linnean Society but wishes "to have no concern in the internal business of the Society".

Declines membership of the Linnean Society on account of his age. Asks Smith's opinion of Bruce's botanical knowledge [possibly James Bruce (1730-1794) traveller in Africa, who was initially celebrated but later treated with scepticism]. Asks for Mr Bosse to send him Jussieu's "Genera plantarum 1789".

Hopes to give to Linnean Society the third editions of his "[Journey from Chester to] London", "Indian Zoology", and "History of Quadrupeds". Queries on Indian plants for the 11th folio volume of his "Outlines of the Globe": whether Linnaeus refers to the "Poon tree" used for masts; the "cotton tree" referred to by "Gerard p.1552" and "[Edward] Ives Voy[age] 478", thinks it a classical tree; asks if the common walking cane is made from a 'Rotang'; requests correct reference to correct a mistake in [Robert] Orme's "Fragments". Thanks for mention in Smith's essay on natural history [in "Linnean Transactions"] but upset to be coupled with "the dull Brisson" [Mathurin Jacques Brisson (1723-1806) French zoologist]. Requests list of the 20 most striking Indian plants or trees.

References to "poon tree" of India in "Raii hist. 11. p. - & Ives's Voy[age] 46a", from which masts are made. Sends an oak leaf "filled with some matters" that Hugh Davies could not determine. Declines membership of Linnean Society but proposes his son David.

Relates merits of his son, [David Pennant], believes he would be a worthy member of the Linnean Society. They are both coming to London shortly. Offers Dr [George] Shaw a specimen of the three-toed sloth for the British Museum, it is better than [Frederick] Nodder's description in "Natural Miscellany".

Hopes Smith has returned from Matlock, [Derbyshire], in good health. Status of his "Outlines of the Globe": requests birth year and birthplace of [Georg Eberhard] Rumphius, and information on [John] Clayton, the "Virginian florist" [(1694-1773) English plant collector in Virginia]; has only the Malay and other Indian islands to complete. Asks if it is true that Dr Blagden has been knighted [Sir Charles Blagden (c 1748-1820) physician and secretary of the Royal Society].

Has finished his "supreme opus", the 14th volume of his "Outlines of the Globe", covering islands of Sumatra, the Philippines, Spice Islands, New Guinea, New Britain, New Ireland, and New Holland [Australia]. Discusses [Georg Eberhard] Rumphius: unsure of the details of his death and believes his drawings were stolen by a nephew of [François] Valentijn for his own work ["Oud en Nieuw Oost-Indiën", a history of Dutch East India Company and countries of the Far East, the drawings were actually lost in a fire and Rumphius wrote much of the natural history of Valentijin's work]. Requests prints of plants for his manuscripts.

Thanks for information from Kinnersley [probably Nathaniel Kinderely (d 1808), a relation of Smith's who spent time in India]. A forthcoming marriage in his family. Correcting the Indian section of his "Outlines of the Globe" for the specimen volume alluded to in his "Literary Life".

"Men of science never need apologize for the revival of trouble respecting information, nor do any delay it unless the little fat curator of the British Museum". Questions on North American plants: asks which plants generally cover ridges and rocks as there is no 'Erica', 'Ulex', or ['Spartium']; where the "the universal mosses" are; and what the "palmatters" and palm of [William] Bartram's "Travels" on pages 69 and 113 are. Marriage of David [Pennant] and Smith's "fair countrywoman" this week, anxious to meet her.

A wedding; bride and bridegroom send thanks for Smith's congratulations. Directions for Smith to send his present, including drawings and books. Instructions for Smith to obtain a copy of his "London" ["An account of London" (1790)]. The moss he meant is a 'Tillandria'.

Pleasure at reading Smith's "Tour of the Continent", agrees with Smith's disparaging comments on the French, comments that the French Revolution would be happy if "the proud waves of correction" could be controlled, "but the cruel inundation has made havoc indiscriminate". Sorrow at execution of the "merciful" Louis XVI but rejoices at executions of [Jacques Pierre] Brissot [(1754-1793)] and other regicides. Recommends Smith reads the "private life of Louis XV".

[Hugh] Davies gravely ill, has urged him to go to Bath, [Somerset], but he is now better. Pennant revising old works but cannot manage anything new, has half finished his account of the United States for his "Introduction to the Arctic Zoology".

Condolences [on death of Smith's father], and hopes Smith's health will be restored. He has broken his knee-cap and is confined to his room. Asks the date on which he was admitted to the Linnean Society [as an Honorary Member, 1794], believes it was in place of the Duc de Noailles. Hugh Davies is visiting.

Trying to identify sources for prints of horses for his "regenerated m.s. of the Introduction [to the Arctic zoology]": asks from which book the annotated print of a male onager he received from Pallas was from; two other prints taken from "Neue Nordische Beyträge" [presumably a journal], believes one of them also from Gmelin's "Voyages" in Sir Joseph Banks' library, asks for an artist to copy it. Asks if Lord Macartney brought anything relative to zoology [presumably George Macartney, Earl Macartney (1737-1806) diplomatist and colonial governor in India].

Congratulates Smith on his marriage. He is now a grandfather. Asks Smith to state which of his works he requires; presumes it will no more than his natural history works. Shortly leaving for a visit to Kent, hopes to see Smith. Sends uncoloured copy of his "Indian Zoology". His broken knee-cap never healed but he can ride and walk with ease, except going downstairs.

Glad that Smith has received "Hindoostan" [volumes one and two of "Outlines of the Globe"]. Complains of unfair treatment from the Linnean Society in their censuring him for profiting from his publications. Defends himself: states that he has never made a profit on his books, and has always kept back twenty copies of each run to gift; explains his finances; requests Smith to accept his voluntary resignation from the Society. His son David commanding corps of 100 men from the two parishes of their estate.