Requests specimens, presumably collected during Smith's northern tour, of 'Juncus spicatus', 'Juncus biglumis', 'Juncus triglumis', 'Gnaphalium supinum', 'Anthericum calyculatum', 'Salix lapponum', 'Polytrichum alpinum', 'Lichen polyphyllos', 'Polypodium rhoeticum', and a fructifying 'Lichen fasciularis', some are marked in pencil with a cross. Has sent a specimen of 'Lichen parellus' that may differ from Smith's. A list of plants he has found in the summer. Turnip crop in Norfolk devastated by black caterpillars, has been unable to find the fly that produces them, but [Eleazar] Albin's "A Natural History of the English Insects" relates how a similar blight in 1719 was caused by the 'Ichneumon' fly, which Bryant disputes. The only flies collected from the turnip fields are possibly the 'Tenthredo rosae', sends two specimens for Smith for information and asks which fly Albin's black caterpillar produces.

Introduces Mr Cooper, who has left the Church of England to study physic. Asks if Dr [William] Cullen [(1710-1790), chemist and physician] proposes publishing another volume of his "First Lines [of the Practice of Physic" (1777-1784)]; asks after progress of Ferguson's ["History of the Progress and Termination of the Roman Republic" (1783)] and Dr [William] Robertson's [(1721-1793), historian and Church of Scotland minister] "History of America" [(1777)]. Comments on "savage" Bruno. Norwich news.

Received Smith's letter [of 31 December 1781]. Presumes Smith is developing his own "manners & carriage" from association with the genteel of Edinburgh. Congratulates Smith on his acquitting himself so well in dancing; they are relieved to hear he is not exhausting himself with study. Glad of Smith's acquaintance with [John Henry] Engelhart and that his other acquaintance [Lubbock] has improved. Norwich news, including recovery of health of Smith's sisters, Esther and Fanny.

Account of his journey occasioned by Tolson's "infamous conduct" [Tolson was apparently James Smith's journeyman]; difficulties of trade. Responds to Smith's letters of 22 January [1782] and 12 February [1782]. Amusements are part of Smith's education. Pleased by Smith's enquiries of his grandfather's last illness; opinions. Mr Matineau recommends Smith become a member of the Medical Society. Usefulness of Latin to compliment Smith's French and Italian.

Delighted at Smith's speaking at Medical Society; encouragement. Dr Martineau thinks it better Smith does not attend apothecary's shop where he intends to settle down and to go to London before taking his degree. Encourages Smith's mixing with genteel society to give him a "polish". His friends all impressed with Smith's letters. His current trade accounts. Hopes change in government and ending of wars with America and Europe will improve conditions. Fears for sugar trade. Norwich news and winter weather. Discusses change of Ministers. Progress of Smith's brother, Richard. Skillful business conduct of Smith's brother. The family's evening conduct. Defends his use of the "out of fashion term", "loving".

Pleased to hear of recovery in Smith's health and grateful he is inclined towards virtue. Patterson was previously wounded by a gentleman at Colchester who thought him too intimate with his wife, whilst apprentice to a surgeon. Their joy at Smith's Natural History Society. Approves of Smith's proposed Highland expedition. Smith much obliged to his aunt for introducing him to so many respectable friends and acquaintances. Warns Smith to take care of his heart "in the midst of so many agreeable young ladies". [William] Smith unaware of intention of Sheffield families to visit Norwich next year. Unable to visit Smith in Edinburgh this summer on account of business; details of this, including fears of Dutch invasion and his not desiring Smith's brothers to take on military careers. An influenza in London. Uncommonly cold and wet season, with flooded fields, so that people are anxious for grass crops for their cattle. Norwich news. Upturn in political situation.

May accompany Smith on a tour of Cumberland and Westmorland, "there is ever a degree of horror in the grand and majestic prospects of Nature in solitude". Glad both their spirits were better at their recent parting than on their first. Hopes for Smith's future career and success. Account of his journey from Halifax, [Yorkshire], to Norwich, including trip to the theatre, where Frank [Smith's brother] "first saw a Montebank on the stage", disappointed by Lichfield, [Staffordshire], expectations of Birmingham, [Warwickshire] exceeded, ascended [John] Wyclif's [(d.1384), English theologian and reformer] pulpit at Lutterworth, [Leicestershire]. Norwich news.

Received Smith's letter of 6 August [1782]. Surprised to find that Dr Walker is a divine and not a physician. They hope Smith will win [John Hope's] Gold Medal [for best Scottish herbarium]. Norwich news. Francis, [Smith's brother], has left with Charles [as cloth journeymen], received letter from Ixworth, [Suffolk]; John, [Smith's brother], does not have same business aptitude. Does not want Smith to become proud or self-important. Mr Cooper is coming to Edinburgh, may call on Smith's assistance. Mr Masham observed that the oak leaves did not appear this year till 44 days later than in 1779.

Received Smith's letters of 19 and 29 August [1782]. Reiterates comments about Mr Cooper's arrival in Edinburgh; his inattention and incivility. Francis, [Smith's brother], has returned [from journeyman duties], trade has fallen off alarmingly. News of Norfolk friends.

Mr Cooper. [John] Pitchford has a "quire of Botany" to send Smith. Anxious queries of whether Smith's residence at Sheffield, [Yorkshire], "produced or discovered" anything intimate; warns him against engaging his affections until seeing something of the world. Norwich news. They have had large "fire & sky rockets" made on Mousehold Hill to answer some at Lowestoft, [Suffolk], and Yarmouth, [Norfolk]; hopes they are not in danger from the enemy. Shambles of Tom Day's dinner for his election to office of sheriff.

Mr Morgan's "appeal to the public" in response to Brand's letter. Details of parcel being sent to Smith. Mr Cooper to look Smith out; an agreeable companion for Smith, warns Smith not to become so used to his acquaintances that he does not keep other company, like English travellers abroad. Long discussion of consequences of Morgan's appeal. Pleased with Smith's letter to Mrs Pitchford, thinks a correspondence with her will introduce a familiar and gay style to his letter writing, the French habit. Mr Nouaille thinks Richard [Smith's brother] should be encouraged in his skill for drawings and become an architect or surveyor. Smith's aunt Kindersley's translation of a French essay. They have not heard of Smith's cousin in India [Nathaniel Kindersley]. Norwich news.

Does not think botany is essential to medical education beyond knowing which plants are used in medicine. Botanical discoveries: Sir Joseph Banks and [Daniel] Solander call Smith's 'Lichen miniatus' 'L. deustus'; [James] Crowe and [James] Dickson found 30 new cryptogamic species in Norfolk including two 'Pezizas' and a Jungermannia called 'hypnoides'; [Henry] Bryant found Dillenius' 'Sphaerocephalus terrestris minimus'; [Robert] Stone of Bungay [(d 1829)] discovered 'Hydnum imbricatum' and 'Lycoperdon coliforme'; description of a 'Fungus pulverulentus [...]' Ray "Synopsis methodica" 28.12. Discussion of plants: has not seen 'Lichen pullus' or 'Fucus palmatus'; Crowe's 'Lichen horizaontalis'; mistook 'Lichen parellus' for 'Lichen pertusus'; discoveries of 'Helvella caryophyllaea', 'Lichen miniatus', 'Boletus lucidus'; hopes to send 'Agaricus quercinus', 'Agaricus betulinus', and 'Boletus fomentarius'. Young [Carl] Linnaeus [(1741-1783)] is in London, has stopped his publication plans on account of Banks' 40,000 discoveries [possibly Australian plants].

Thanks for specimens; disappointed in obtaining some of Smith's desiderata, but hopes to acquire 'Ophrys aranifera' and 'Genista pilosa' from [Thomas] Woodward, as well as 'Stratiotes aloides'. Hopes Smith is enjoying his time and excursions in Scotland. Obstinate remitting, intermitting fevers in Norwich not yielding to "the Bark"; they are using a red bark taken in a Spanish prize, said to be stronger than the common.

Discusses Norwich 'Lichen', including: 'L. tartareus', 'L. parellus', 'L. pertusus', 'L. ventosus', and 'L. gelidus'; queries meaning of word "testaceus". Believes 'Cynosurus caeruleus' and 'Fontinalis pennata' Smith sent are incorrectly named; suggests 'Festuca decumbens' and 'Hypnum complanatum', respectively. [James] Crowe has a valuable Yorkshire correspondent, Mr Alexander, who supplies many plants, including 'L. fluviatilis'. Recent acquisitions: 'Tremella nostoi' and 'Peziza acetabulum', Sir Thomas Cullum found possible 'L. nivalis'. Plant supposed to be 'Hydnum imbricatum' not so; notes.

Comments on Smith's remarks on Crowe's 'Elymus', which had also been confirmed by Sir Joseph Banks and young Linnaeus in London.

Has been preparing parcel of Smith's desiderata. Smith's letter to his wife "very gallant". List of part of his desiderata, largely Cryptogamic in nature. Details of method by which he is sending Smith's parcel. Asks if 'Schoenus ferrugineus' has been found in Britain.

List of plant specimens gathered by [Thomas] Woodward.

Thanks for specimens; pleased Smith received his, including "fine" specimen of 'Arundo epigejos' from [Thomas] Woodward. His and [James] Crowe's opinion of Smith's doubtful plants: 'Lichen lanatus' is 'L. pubescens', 'L. sinuatus' is 'L. marginalis', 'L. sylvaticus' correct, 'Byssus cryptarum' is 'B. saxatalis', 'Fontinalis squamosa' or 'minor' is 'F. antipyretica' flowering, notes. Encloses specimens of 'F. squamosa' and 'F. minor' [extant].

Information on Mr Alexander of Halifax, Yorkshire, who is to be a physician or surgeon and who is currently training in London. Hopes Smith's studies are going well; does not mind making up prescriptions for Smith's patients, though "the poor must not be forgot".

Requests specimens of 'L. horizontalis', 'L. torrefactus', 'L. polyphyllus', 'L. caeruleo-nigricans', 'Saxifraga nivalis', and 'Saxifraga hypnoides'. Has not yet examined Smith's 'Fucus pygmaeus' with the mosses. Particular thanks for specimens of 'L.glomuliferus', 'L. vespartillio', 'Juncus trifidus', and 'Gnaphalium supinum'.

Specimen of 'Fontinalis squamosa', with note, and specimen of 'Fontinalis minor', with note.

Discusses the decocting of "red bark", possibly for agues: [William] Withering uses 'Salix alba', Smith recommends 'Salix myrsinites'. [John] Lightfoot says the 'Fontinalis pennata' Smith found is 'Hypnum complanatum'. Discussion of lichens: does not believe Smith's two 'Lichen parellus' specimens are distinct; agrees with 'L. pertusus'; Smith's 'L. gelidus' accords with Hudson ["Flora Anglica"] but does not think it distinct from 'L. ventosus'; mistakenly called 'L. fluviatilis' 'L. vivularis'; requests 'L. vespertilis', 'L. marginalis', and 'L. sylvaticus'; London botanists wrong about 'L. cristatus' and 'L. crispus', errors with Dillenius' plate of it; requests 'L. vernalis' of Lightfoot and 'L. fernugineus' of Hudson; Lightfoot's 'L. aurantiacus' is Hudson's 'L. ferrugineus' and not 'L. flavo-rubescens'; unsure what Lightfoot's 'L. vernalis' is in Hudson.

Leaving London for Paris and is sending various items for Smith to send on to others. 'Lichen ventosus', others will be sent by Mr Dickson. Books for Smith, Professor [John] Hope, [Joseph] Black and Dr Walker, a parcel for Dr Irvine. Asks to be remembered to Dr Hope. 'Portlandia grandiflora' in flower at Kew.

Read of heavy snow round Norwich, [Norfolk], they have had scarcely any. Will be as economical as possible his with expenses, though felt much anxiety on finding they will come to much more than first expected. Attendance at balls and frequent dancing. Reported that Edinburgh people are very proud and despise the students, though he has not experienced this himself. Shall endeavour to join the Medical Society and has already attended and spoken twice, hopes his father thinks he has got rid of some of his bashfulness; they are "wonderfully ignorant" of natural history. Dr Home's lectures on Antimony; discussion of composition and application of James's Powder, particularly with regard fevers.

Their letters generally take 5 days travelling. No longer anxious about his expenses following his father's words. Resolved to learn Pharmacy in Edinburgh in the summer and go to London in the winter of 1784, before graduating at Edinburgh. Hopes for better times with change of Ministry; Mrs Beveridge [his landlady] "furious" in her attachment to the old Ministry. Most backward spring in Edinburgh known to memory. Death of Mr Patterson, head of the Medical, Physical, and Speculative Societies.

He and 4 or 5 friends have lately formed a society for the study of natural history, for which Dr Walker, the new professor, offered his museum for them to meet in. Dr [John] Hope an honorary member and 7 other young men have since joined, and the Earls of Glasgow and Ancram, and Lord Dare, have all petitioned to join; particulars of the society. Dr Walker told him he has studied more natural history than anybody he before met with in Scotland. His acquaintance with Dr Hutton; his character; he is an excellent mineralogist. Does not intend to study mineralogy any more than absolutely necessary, contenting himself with strict line of his profession and the "first two kingdoms of nature by way of relaxation"; benefits his small knowledge of this has already brought him. His acquaintances, particularly intimate with [William] Thomson [(c 1760-1806), mineralogist and physician] and [Robert] Batty; their characters. Sorrow at departing of friends.

Responds to letters of 3 April [1782] and 5 May [1782]. Pleasure at his successes at Edinburgh and his parents' at Norwich. Hopes his father will be able to pay him a visit. If [James] Crowe does not come to the Highlands intends to embark on his expedition, accompanied by Dr [John] Hope's son, Mr Hardy, and Mr Lubbock. His sorrow at end of the winter lectures and departure of so many students, including [Robert] Batty. He has started attending the Infirmary and has got over his "disagreeable feelings" from his first attendance there. Their Natural History Society goes on "gloriously", Dr [Joseph] Black has recently joined. Intends to try for Dr Hope's medal for best collection of native Scottish plants, and plants of the Materia Medica.

Shortly moving to a new house. Change in [John Henry] Engelhart from being the "delight & ornament of all genteel companies" to becoming a "perfect debauchee who shuns all polite & virtuous people". Arrivall of Mr and Mrs Cleeve, who is a preacher and apparently not well liked. Account of his friend, Lady Reay. Correspondence with [William] Younge, son of Dr Younge of Sheffield. Responds to Norwich news. Recently read a paper before the Natural History Society on the collecting and preserving of plants which was debated for 3 hours.