Thanks for election as FLS. Isolated from progress of botany, owing to his "out of the way" location, not having a botanical correspondent in London, and inability to buy even old botanical books. Declines Smith's offer to acquire L'Héritier's "sumptuous work" until he is sure of its extent; would like to see the treatise on 'Geranium' mentioned in "Hortus Kewensis" but assumes the "present distracted state of France " will disrupt such publications.

[Smith has briefly noted on recto of second folio extent and cost of a book]

Thanks Smith for offering to procure botanical books for him; requests L'Héritier's "Sertum anglicum"; directions for sending. Anxious to procure those books quoted by Linnaeus, particularly Dalechamp and Brunssaling. He is about to publish his "Sketches of the progress of botany" [(1790)], orginally intended as an introduction to a large scale English flora.

Reminds Smith of his request for L'Héritier's "Sertum anglicum", adds L'Héritier's "Stirpes novae" to his order.

Thanks Smith for sending books [L'Héritier's "Sertum anglicum" and "Stirpes novae"], encloses payment. Requests L'Héritier's "Cornus" and second fasciculus of Smith's work ["Plantarum icones" ?]. Intends to send Smith a complimentary copy of his own new book ["Sketches of the progress of botany" (1790)].

Sends copies of his book ["Sketches of the Progress of Botany" (1790)] for Smith and Linnean Society.

Uncertainty of his coming to London. Declines opportunity to purchase Gaertner but will borrow it. Pleased to hear Smith intends to publish a new edition of "Systema vegetabilium", hopes it will be followed by a "Species plantarum". Had wished to see Lamarck's French "Flora" until seeing it was gone from the catalogue and following Smith's remarks on it.

Has heard from [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert in Ireland, where he is visiting his estate in [County] Mayo, transmits contents of his letter, including natural history finds. Directions for sending L'Héritier's "Cornus".

Praises Gaetner's book [De fructibus et seminibus plantarum (1788-1805)], but feels "somewhat repugnant" to any attempt of forming a system on his principles. Thanks for attempts of Smith and others for their praise of his book ["Sketches of the progress of botany" (1790)] but concedes it will be of interest only to curiosity of young botanists and men of general reading.

Requests remainder of L'Héritier's works as they appear in Britain though fears revolutions and politics of France will hinder the author. Requests copy of Gmelin's edition of "Systema naturae". Hopes [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert is not idle in Ireland. Surprised that [John] Lightfoot and others should have missed so many Scottish plants now published by [James] Dickson in his second fasciculus [of "Plantarum cryptogamicarum Britanniae" (1785-1801)]. Dr Patrick Browne has given Lambert a manuscript on Jamaican plants, suspects it is of little worth. Apologises for corresponding with Smith on "such unequal terms".

Thanks for Pulteney's bill for Linnean Society admission charges. They hope to print a volume of "Transactions" soon, Sir Joseph Banks having promised to pay for the engraving of the plates. Sorry Pulteney has so much difficulty in getting books, offers his assistance, and to supply numbers of L'Héritier's "Stirpes novae aut minus cognitae". "All science stands still at Paris at pres[en]t". Hedwig's work on mosses. Asks after Pulteney's book currently in the press.

Encloses L'Héritier's "Sertum anglicum", bill should Pulteney keep them. Was unable to acquire Dalechamps or Brunfelsius for Pulteney. Asks after Pulteney's intended "Flora".

Thanks for Pulteney's book, has already "devoured" a great part of it at Sir Joseph Banks'. Will send his second fasciculus [of "Plantarum icones"], sorry to have been "polemical, but thought a little chastisement of an impertinent fellow would save me future quarrels". Offers to send Gaertner and L'Héritier's latest works. Encloses list of Linnean Society members, 25 were present at their anniversary meeting. [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert likely to make "great discoveries" in Ireland.