As requested via [Thomas] Woodward, sends Smith description of the new 'Ulva' or 'Fucus' found by him at Weymouth, [Dorset], and will arrange for Woodward to send the specimen. Thanks Linnean Society for honour of being elected FLS.

Sorry to hear there is no chance of his being presented to Smith next month in London, on account of Smith's being absent in Norfolk. Thanks for Smith's attentions to his paper, [Thomas] Woodward will forward Smith the specimen. Has submitted to Woodward a fasciculus of his marine plants, and if well received intends to describe and delineate the 3 genera, or at least those not recently described and drawn in England; expects to receive accurate observations in Woodward and [Samuel] Goodenough's paper in forthcoming "Linnean Transactions".

Asks Smith to look over the fasciculus of ["Nereis Britannica"] as far as it is finished and to show it to the Linnean Society. Notes on his intentions and other matters, including: apprehension that no sexual office has been attributed to the "air bladders" [of seaweed], and perplexed by the urn-shaped vessels in fronds of '[Fucus] serratus vesiculosus'.

Discussion of Linnaeus' definiton of reproductive organs of plants and [Thomas] Velley's criticism of his remarks on same in the preface of ["Nereis Britannica"]. Quotes from a letter by Velley to himself discussing this further and the absence of floresence in seaweed, gives his own botanical opinion of the matter.

Informed by [Thomas] Woodward that Smith approves of his work ["Nereis Britannica"]. Inspired by his disupte with [Thomas] Velley [over floresence of plants and seaweed] to investigate seaweed fructification with a microscope, details some of his observations, particularly the production of seeds and air bladders, from examination of: '[Fucus] vesiculosus', 'F. spiralis', 'F.nodosus', 'F. carnaliculatus', 'F. siliquosus', 'F. digitatus, 'F. polyschides', 'F. palmatus', and 'Ulva umbilicalis'. Shall send samples of two or three sea plants. Sending his paper on 'Herniaria glabra' which rectifies other authors' previous errors, including sketch and specimen [see RelatedMaterial below]. Believes the lack of reviews for his book is due to his not having advertised it very widely.

Did not see description of 'Herniaria glabra' in "English Botany" otherwise would not have sent his paper on it to the Linnean Society, has asked [Thomas] Woodward to procure it for his opinion. Advances in his microscopic investigation into the fructification of 'Fucus': believes it possible to construct a generic character incorporating most of 'Fucus' that will be analogous to Linnaeus' sexual system, except for the "vapour", which is substituted for pollen. Explains his method, wishes others could make similar investigations in different locations and describes [Thomas] Velley's contributions. Observations on '[Fucus] bifurcatus'. Relationship of his book ["Nereis Britannica"] with reviewers and the public, [William] Withering has recommended it to [Carl Peter] Thunberg. Asks if Smith has any specimens of or information on 'Fucus natans' as it was described in "Tour of the Continent", does not believe Linnaeus' claim that it is the "most common vegetable in the world". Would like to compare 'Fucus selaginoides' with 'Fucus tamariscifolius'.

Encloses specimen of a small nondescript 'Medusa', it adheres strongly to 'Fucus cricoides', and sends phial of the purple tint of 'Fucus edulis'. Thanks for honour Smith did him in paper read last Linnean Society evening meeting.

[Spec 24 written in pencil at head of verso of folio]

Encloses small drawing [extant] of the small 'Medusa' he left for him at Linnean Socitey's rooms; observations. Has little knowledge of the Mollusca tribe but would be glad to have it the subject of a paper in "Linnean Transactions".

Two small coloured sketches of 'Medusa', one magnified, found adhereing to branch of 'Fucus cricoides' in Mounts Bay, summer 1797.

After discussion with [William] Withering, prior to publication of third edition of his ["Botanical arrangement"], believes that the two varieties of 'Ulex' are distinct species on account of the lengths of calyx. Reports his own observations and agrees with Withering, and that a repeated blunder with 'Ulex' has been passed down in every "Flora" since [John] Ray. Has submitted a paper on this [see RelatedMaterial below]. Character of 'Ulex elatior' and 'Ulex europaeus'. Delaying his remarks on the "curious animal" 'Medusa' until after more observations next summer.

Thanks for Smith's hospitality at Norwich. Discusses the 'Byssus barbata' figured in "English Botany": after viewing Lady Elizabeth Noel's specimen believes that [James] Sowerby's and [William] Withering's are different species. Believes that there is a oversight in the literature stating that 'Byssus fulva' is a 'B. barabata', compounded by Dillenius, [William] Hudson, [John] Ray, and [William] Withering all repeating this. Sends a drawing of 'Byssus fulva' [not extant] and makes general observations taken from "Flora Anglica" on the genus 'Byssus' and species 'B. fulva' and 'B. barbata'. Spent an evening with Hanbury Williams who remains cheerful but has given up parties.

Asks if the 'Fucus fastigiatus' of the Linnaean herbarium has any fruit on it as described in "Linnean Transactions" vol 3 p200, and if so requests smallest sample possible in order to draw it under microscope; he has made some important discoveries respecting fructification in this species and its affinities.

Requests to become a subscriber of "Flora Graeca". Does not wish the remaning volume of "Flora Anglica" ["Flora Britannica"?] to come out until the modern cryptogamists are more advanced. Has much to add to the physiology of 'Fucus' from parcels of winter specimens in fruit sent from Cornwall, Bognor, [Sussex], and the Isle of Wight.

Has sent letterpress of his third fasciculus [probably "Nereis Britannica"] to [Dawson] Turner for Smith's opinion. Hopes Smith received specimen of 'Lichen vulpinus'; observations. Encloses specimens of 'Byssus fulva', observations; drawings of 'B velutina v aurea', observations. Sent specimen of 'Auricularia papyrina' to Turner; observations.

[Spec 25 written in pencil at head of verso of first folio]

Sending Smith a book on marine plants recently published in France [title not given], to be returned. Reminds Smith of the 'Byssus' specimens he sent last year; observations on the genus, thinks them nearly allied to 'Conferva'. He brought some "curious" foreign 'Fucus' from Paris, which he sent to [Dawson] Turner, difficulties of another in delineating them.

Sends copy of his "Illustrationes Theophrasti". Would like to see a new edition of Theophrastus.

Thanks for Smith's letter, just received; will be glad to have Smith's criticisms on the "Tab[ula] Syst[ematica]", as in addition to Smith's own practical botanical knowledge he has assistance of [John] Sibthorp herbarium. His hopes for future usefulness of his "Illustrationes Theophrasti". Sorry he is to miss Linnean Society anniversary meeting, hopes Smith may visit him near Liverpool in August.

Received specimens of what appears to be 'Zannichellia [palustris]?', gathered from a Bradford canal by [Edward] Pigott [(fl 1790s-1800s)], a marine botanist; observations; wishes to know whether to forward it to [James] Sowerby. Asks after progress of "Flora Britannica" and "Flora Graeca". Invites criticism of his "Illustrationes Theophrasti".

Pleased to hear Smith's health is so much reestablished. He made a botanical tour of North Wales in the summer and has expanded his collections of marine and alpine plants, intends to examine them on his return to Bath, [Somerset].

Asks after the remaining "Flora Anglica" ["Flora Britannica"]; "there are such fluctuations in the Syst[emati]c Arrang[emen]t that retard [Smith's] progess" he fears it will be long time, though completion of "English botany" will much improve their botanical libraries, though it must always have an occassional supplementary volume. Intends to start work on pocket edition of his "Illustrationes Theophrasti" this winter.

Announces publication of part one of "Theophrastus [Eresii de Historia]", though the costs are such he cannot send Smith or Sir Joseph Banks copies. Asks after concluding volume of "Flora Britannica" and continuation of "Flora Graeca". Just returned from a tour in Cornwall.

Congratulates Smith on knighthood, hopes it will lead to what his friends have "so much at heart", Smith's succession to Cambridge botany chair. He has been rambling for most of the summer. Encountered delays in printing of second fasciculus of his "Theophrastus", and the great expense of printing meant he could not present any copies as gifts, even to Sir Joseph Banks, but will provide copies to friends at the trade price.

Found Smith's friend, Mrs Spragg [widow of Harvey Spragg], well.

Sends copy of his "Extracts [from Bruce's travels in Abyssinia]", as an explanatory note to his edition of Theophrastus he sent Smith last summer ["Theophrasti Eresii de Historia plantarum"]