Memorial presented by members of the British Association for the Advancement of Science and other scientific societies, submitting that natural history is inadequately provided for by the present constitution of the Board of Trustees of the British Museum.

Ask JR to advise the Queen to issue Her Royal Commission of Inquiry into the best methods of securing the improvement of the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge.

Satisfaction at Smith's division between 'Salix russelliana' and 'Salix fragilis' of Linnaeus. Describes his interest in this willow and notes how his grandfather [John Russell, 4th Duke of Bedford (1710-1771)] introduced it to Bedfordshire and had it distributed amongst the tenants.

Smith's candidature for Botany Professorship at Cambridge University. Will write to his friends in support of Smith's candidacy, his son has also done the same. Has informed Lord Hardwicke [Philip Yorke, 3rd Earl of Hardwicke (1757-1834) ?] of [Thomas] Martyn's [prematurely reported] death, believes he will do everything possible for Smith. Hopes Smith will visit in the summer with [Thomas William] Coke.

Informs Smith of Lord Hardwicke's [Philip Yorke, 3rd Earl of Hardwicke (1757-1834)] support of his Cambridge candidature. Sinclair and Russell's "Hortus Gramineus Woburnensis" in the press. Recently met [Augustin Pyramys] de Candol[l]e, who is coming to Norwich and recommends Smith also meeting him

Communicated contents of Smith's last letter to his gardener, [George Sinclair]; encloses copy of his answer. Sinclair consulted his botanical friends as to the title of his book; encloses note received from Professor [Thomas] Martyn. He himself is inclined towards "Hortus Gramineus Woburnensis", explains his preference and requests Smith's opinion.

Reassures Smith he has not given any trouble over title for [George] Sinclair's book ["Hortus Gramineus Woburnensis"], only wanted to obtain sanction of Smith's "high authority". Sinclair will be obliged by Smith's request to become a subscriber, but still insists on sending copy he orginally promised.

Will attend Smith to Linnean Society on 2 April [1816].

Has postponed his journey to Devonshire to attend Smith to Linnean Society meeting on 7 [May 1816], hopes Smith will join him for dinner at Hamilton Place, [London], beforehand.

Smith has annotated "not rec[eive]d till long after".

Received Smith's letter just before leaving Woburn Abbey, [Bedfordshire]; regrets cause of Smith's abscence from London and will will attend Smith to the Linnean Society in June instead.

Regrets hearing of Smith's continued illness but expects to find him perfectly recovered and in London next month. Thanks Smith for reminding him of the money he owes to Linnean Society, has written to rectify this at once.

Hopes Smith has recovered from his indisposition; if Smith is in London for next Linnean Society meeting will accompany him there. If Smith is not attending asks that his admission as FLS be postponed until Smith is in attendance.

Satisfaction at being introduced to Linnean Society next season by Smith. Hopes Smith will succeed in his Cambridge professorship application. [Thomas] Coke to accompany Smith to Woburn in the summer.

Thanks Smith for his letter and valuable advice to his gardener [George] Sinclair in his efforts to improve agricultural science. Gratified by Smith's visit to Woburn Abbey and encourages him to visit again.

Sorry Smith is unlikely to be in London as early as expected on account of ill health. Will not attend Linnean Society anniversary dinner on 24 [May] as the state of his health compels him to avoid "as much as possible hot & crowded rooms", but will attend the meeting to be admitted as FLS.

Will communicate what Smith says of 'Trifolium macrorrhizum' to [George] Sinclair.

Asks if Smith can procure a copy of the "Parody of the Nicene Creed" written during period the French Revolution and lately reprinted at Norwich, as the suspension of the Habeas Corpus act is about to be discussed in the House of Lords and the report from their committee relies upon "the mischief that has been done by blasphemous publications".

Offers a copy of "Hortus gramineus Woburnensis" to the Linnean Society.

Expressed his sentiments on renewal of the Suspension Bills [in House of Lords] last night, and in commenting on the evidence explained the circumstances of the parody on the Nicene Creed without mentioning names; Lord Sidmouth [Henry Addington, 1st Viscount Sidmouth (1757-1844), Home Secretary 1812-1822] denied ever having seen or heard of the publication but if it can be ascertained that it was sent to him it will be of "some importance".

Thanks for letter from Smith and enclosure for [George] Sinclair, which he has delivered. Pleased to hear of improvement in Smith's health; amendment of his own health goes on slowly. Pleased to hear that Lady Ann Coke [second wife of Thomas William Coke] take so much interest in botanical and horticultural pursuits.

Has requested that two copies of his recently printed catalogue of heaths at Woburn Abbey, [Bedfordshire], be sent for Smith and the Linnean Society ["Hortus Ericaeus Woburnensis"]. Intends to establish a Salicetum [collection of willows], for which he will use Smith's "valuable work" on 'Salix'. His gardener, [George] Sinclair, has left his service to set himself up as a nursery gardener.

Received Smith's letter of 28 [March 1825]; sorry to hear he has been suffering from a rheumatic complaint in his eyes. Pleased Smith is satisfied with the willows he has so far gathered for his Salicetum; has not yet acquired 'Salix glauca'. Going to London at the end of the month but will be in London before Smith leaves, and hopes he will prevail on Smith to come and see the willows in full leaf, though fears there will be errors in the names. His health better than it has been for some time past, though has suffered from severity of the protracted winter.