Davall's letter forms the first eight pages. Apologises for not sending Smith anything with Mandrot. His poor health: the least exertion affects his eyes and stomach, and suffered violent inflammatory fever with a sore throat that spread to his gums and was in danger of going to his chest, prolonged by a late bleeding, until his urine became very thick and an abcess formed. Has been bled three times in eighteen hours and five times since January, losing 3 1/2 lb of blood and now drinking whey to thin his blood. His wife gave birth to premature son but he died after eleven days.

Has dried specimen of wild 'Ranunculus thora' from his garden for Smith. His garden: 'Cerastium latifolium' grown from roots gathered himself in Alps in full flower, 'Moehringia', 'Crataegus chamaemespilus', 'Turritis coerulea', 'Arenaria grandiflora', 'Androsace villosa' or 'Androsace obtusifolia', 'Aretia alpina' not yet flowered, 'Saxifraga hirculus'.

Continues letter on 21 May: managed to make up a parcel of plants to send with Mandrot, including [Horace Bénédict] de Saussure's [(1740-1799)] lichens.

Fifth folio is titled "Villars" and is a transcription, in French, of extract of letter from [Dominique] Villars 20 December 1791, following communication of Smith's discovery concerning 'Festuca spadicea'. Davall displeased at [Martin] Vahl's [(1749-1804)] impertinence [he claimed a discovery of Smith's as his own]; does not have a good opinion of men in general and passes for a misanthrope in Orbe because he prefers spending his time with plants. Consoles Smith with the fact that even if he is exposed to the impertinence of "some Empiricks as La Marck etc" at least he will "ever have the applause of good orthodox botanists & men of sense". Transcribes extract from preface of second volume of [Johann Christian Daniel von] Schreber's [(1739-1810)] edition of "Genera Plantarum" quoting Smith. Sends seed of 'Carduus crispus'.

Ninth and tenth folios are transcription, in French, of extract of letter from de Saussure 14 February 1792 accompanying lichens, which he [Davall] sends on to Smith, includes eight notes to recognise those de Saussure has.

Has been seriously ill with extreme weakness of the eyes and disordered stomach and digestion. As his blood was so inflammatory was prescribed whey and setters water for the summer, which weakened his stomach further. About to start an infusion of 'Cinchona'. Thanks for Smith's letter of 27 June and the lichens, also recently received the other lichens sent with Mr Du Bois, pleased with 'Lichen omphalodes', 'L. fragilis', and 'L. globiferus'. Domestic news: one of his wife's brothers has caused great uneasiness; persuaded his aunts to give him another room for his study; his 'Mespilus chamaemespilus' has finally produced two fruit, which he intends for Smith; found 'Schenchzeria'; believes 'Poa retroflexa' Curtis is 'Poa distans' Linnaeus, and 'Poa salina' Pollich as determined by specimen from Ehrhart; dried 'Saxifraga hirculus', 'Schenchzeria' and 'Swertia H', 'Avena fertilis' Allioni "Auctar", suspects it 'Avena dubia' Leers; two plants of 'Lavatera punctata' just come into flower, will send seed if possible; has seed of 'Avena strigosa' Schreber "Spicilig." Retz "Obs." and 'Bromus arvensis'. His wife pregnant again.

Thanks for Smith's works, "Spicililegium botanicum" and "Icones pictae". His health is still weak and digestion disordered. Explains that through his "ardent love of Botany" he has declined every opportunity conducive to his fortune and reduced his patrimony in forming his botanical library to the bare minimum and his study, friendship with Smith, and relationship with wife "are the three great & only objects" which make him value his existence.

Concerns over war [threatened invasion of Switzerland by the French]: the Genevans have called on their allies and 1500 of Berne and 640 of Zurich have entered Geneva, which was proteseted against by the French resident before issuing a direct declaration of war, and French artillery now expected to commence firing on Geneva. The Swiss are marching on every frontier shared with France and if not for his wife would happily take up a musket in defence of his collections. Believes only reason to fear French is their immense numbers and the common people are strong and the German Swiss "are perfectly well armed, their artillery of the best sort" and 30-40,000 men are stirring. A young man who escaped from the massacre of the Swiss Guards at Paris was with him yesterday.

His life completely secluded from contact with societies and individuals. Describes sudden death of his 84 year old aunt, and anecdote of a man who died with his cards still in hand. Glad of Smith's success with the Royal Family and hopes some reward will come of it.

Despite living as a hermit in September Lady [Lavinia] Spencer [(1762-1831)], the Duchess of Devonshire [Georgiana Cavendish (1757-1806)], and Lady [Henrietta] Duncannon [(1761-1821)] visited and he named the plants they had collected; the Duchess was rather indifferent as she prefers minerals to plants but Lady Spencer seriously intends to study Botany and Lady Duncannon has some aptitude, and he recommended Smith to them.

French politics: would like to see the establishment of a "reasonable & virtuous liberty & a state of things free from the abominable effects of intrigue & corruption" but unsure if as a nation they are "capable of great things, they always run into extremes & overshoot reason". Savoy peasants are forbidden from trading with Switzerland so must trade with the French for paper instead of money; "miserable as they were, many are still more so now".

Smith's pamphlets on slave trade: shocked by "the horrors practised on these unhappy men". Pleased with lichens and Smith's botanical instruction in his 9 November letter: will send more specimens of 'Linum tenuifolium' if requested. Pleased to hear of Afzelius and François [Borone] as the Berne Gazette has been reporting mortality and rebellion in Sierra Leone.

His health is poor and after an emetic and other evacuations now feeling benefit of a course of 'Cinchona officinalis', though if it were not for botany, his wife, and Smith, he would be happy to die. Reminds Smith of his intention to visit in summer of 1793; he has no companion for his walks and is in "a kind of exile". His wife has given birth to a strong and healthy boy, if he lives he must be a botanist.

His library: obtained good Dillenius ["Historia muscorum" (1741)] from Paris for £11 and now has some of his chief desiderata of rare books including [Johannes] Loesel's [(1607-1655)] "Flora Prussica", [Fabio] Columna's "Phytobasanos", and [Nicolaas Laurens] Burman's [(1734-1793)] "de Geraniis", and [Paolo] Boccone's [(1633-1704)] "[Icones & descriptiones rariorum plantarum] Sic[iliae]" but not Boccone's "Museo di Piante rare". Sends money draft settling accounts with [James] Sowerby and [James] Dickson. Requests copy of Sowerby's "Flora luxurians" for his wife, though she prefers 'Geranium striatum' to the brilliant luxuriant flowers. Encloses paper from his Lausanne bookseller Mr Pott to be forwarded to Elmsley.

Smith should keep [Horace Bénédict] de Saussure's [(1740-1799)] lichens, expects to receive more. Has been unable to search for 'Anthericum serotinum' promised to [Richard] Salisbury as the only habitat he knows is 150 miles from Orbe; had hoped to receive Salisbury's coloured work ["Icones stirpium rariorum" (1791)]. Apologises for not sending seeds for Smith and [William] Aiton: 'Crataegus chamaemespilus', 'Veronica praecox' Allioni, 'Crepis leontodontoides' Allioni, 'Turritis alpina', Linnaeus, 'Avena strigosa' Schreber, will wait to collect fresh ones.

First postscript, on left-hand margin of verso of first folio: thanks Lady Rockingham for present of "Icones pictae" and hopes to obtain seed of 'Celsia linearis' Jacq. Second postscript, on left-hand margin of recto of first folio: asks after Mr Este.

Sending Smith smaller than planned parcel of plants via Mandrot, including series of specimens and gradations of 'Saxifraga hirculus'. Still weak from his "last terrible illness" and a pain in his chest which he is treating with Letters water and milk. Rearranged his herbarium so looking forward to receiving Smith's promised Botany Bay plants. Hopes to build a greenhouse for exotic plants to spite those who keep theirs to themselves. Relates anecdote of a Berne apothecary who came to his garden and passed pots of 'Turritis alpina' and 'Arenaria liniflora' only to be in ecstasy at pot of 'Pelargonium radula', almost ancient in English gardens but entirely unknown in Switzerland, was not impressed with herbarium specimen of 'Arenaria saxatilis' Linnaeus and mocked his one specimen of 'Ixia'; he is a good chemist but a "wretched blunderer in Botany" and though he has much greater herbarium and garden he insisted a plant he [Davall] knew to be 'Saxifraga sarmentosa' was 'Martynia perennis', a dispute in which [Joseph von] Jacquin also became involved.

Has three seedlings of 'Morina persica' and will send every seed to England to "replace this fine (lost?) plant ex HK". Has a place where he successfully winters 'Gerania'. Requests via [John] Fairbairn seeds of 'Pelargonium cordatum', 'Pelargonium betulinum', and 'Lamium loevigatum' at Chelsea. Would like to establish communications with [Adam] Afzelius.

His parcel much more considerable than he intended and includes a box of lichens, lichens listed on sixth folio with some comments. Will soon send mosses for [James] Dickson and seeds for [William] Aiton not in "Hortus Kewensis". Letter signed 12 May 1793.

Received Smith's letter of 2 July and parcel of plants via Mandrot. Apologises for upsetting Smith with anecdote of arrogant apothecary; his love of Smith and apprecitation of his work. Davall considered impertinent to be meddling with Swiss plants. Intends his herbarium to be richer and more correct herbarium than those who get their plants from botanic gardens of Gottingen and Tubingen; when François [Borone] returns to England wishes to adopt plan for receiving specimens from English gardens. Surprised how many of the Botany Bay plants received from Smith are '-oides'.

Wishes to exchange plants with [Thomas] Woodward mentioned in [William] Withering's ["Botanical arrangement"]. Enjoying "English Botany" especially the maritime plants; suggests figuring 'Lichen omphalodes' because [Georg Franz] Hoffmann figured it as his 'pulvernlentus' "Enumeratio lichenum" p.76 based on [John] Lightfoot's '[Lichen] stellaris' and Hoffmann in "Plantae Lichenosa" vol 1 p.40 says this plant is not 'omphalodes'. Laments confusion caused by the "compilating labours of so many authors who pretend to give instruction on objects they never saw" and notes additional error in Hoffmann's "Enumeratio" regarding Lightfoot's 'plumbeus' and 'squamosus'. Intrigued by "English Botany's" 'Galium pusillum' and 'Thlaspi alpestre' and exclusively sends Smith seeds of 'Thlaspi montanum'.

Botanical observations on seeds sent to exclusively to Smith: 'Avena strigosa' Retzius; 'Mespilus (Crataegus) chamaemespilus'; 'Myagrum' no. 19 of his parcel by Mandrot 1793; an 'Ononis' not in Linnaeus no. 82 of parcel by Gooch February 1790; 'Thlaspi montanum' Haller "Historia stirpium" No.518 raised from three seeds found on wild plant 2 August 1791 near "famous 'Pierre pertuis'" as indicated by Haller not far from Soncebau, further observations on his plant; knows nothing of 'Thlaspi praecox'. Botanical observations on seeds sent to Smith and Aiton: 'Prenanthes viminea', 'Scabiosa hybrida' Allioni, 'Veronica praecox' Allioni.

Critiques [Nikolaus von] Jacquin "Collectanea ad botanicam" vol 4 p.220 citing 'Alstromeria pelegrina' in his "Hortus Botanicus Vindobonensis" without giving figure of fruit; Davall has 'Antirrhinum arvense' for Jacquin's 'A. parviflorum' in "Collectanea" vol 4 p.204 as confirmed by Smith's answer to no.17 of parcel by Mandrot 1791.

Thanks Smith for seed of 'Silene anglica', sends seed of 'Silene bellidifolia'. Delighted by 'Orchideae' in "English Botany", especially 'Ophrys loeselii' and 'Malaxis paludosa'. Sends specimens of 'Orchis abortiva' including flowers in brandy and 'Carex' specimens for [Samuel] Goodenough's paper, one 'C. leporina' of "Flora Lapponica". 'Orchis ustulata' very common in Switzerland. Prefers Rivinus' figure of 'Melampyrum cristatum' to that in "English Botany".

Instructions from Mrs Davall to Miss Smith for knitting a purse. Instructions for sending parcels to Switzerland unharmed. Intends to commission Messrs Minier, Marson & Teesdale to send provision of garden seeds every autumn. Hoping to send paper for Linnean Society on 'Schoenus ferrugineus' based on drawing and work of Mr DuCros, the only botanist he associates with in Switzerland; does not consider Wyttenbach a botanist. Recommends DuCros as an FMLS, his favourite study is mosses and he sent [James] Dickson cryptogamia.

Postscript on left hand margin of verso of second folio: wrote glad [William] Aiton [(1731-1793)] was pleased with the 'Arenaria grandiflora' he sent, they talk much of his 'Morina' and has asked Aiton to send any seeds to Smith. Additional postscript on left hand margin of verso of first folio: severe drought in Switzerland. Additional postscript on left hand margin of recto of first folio: Smith to expect plants by middle of September, and header of first folio; his infant son healthy.

Hopes Smith received letter of 16 August 1793 and parcel containing plants including 'Orchis abortiva', bottle with flowers of same, and seeds. Feels unwell and low spirited. Sends seeds of 'Lavatera punctata' [Carlo] Allioni "Auctarium", 'Minnartia campestris' L., and 'Androsace lactea', observations including growing recommendations. Thanks for second parcel of Botany Bay plants. Will wait to send Smith's Montpellier parcel till sure of safe carriage. Would have come to England to see Smith but his finances ruined by purchasing books.

Approves of Smith's observations on 'Veronica kamtchatica' in "Linnean Transactions", asks if he will adopt Allioni and [Dominique] Villars' name 'uniflora' for 'Hypochaeris helvetica'. Offers to send "Gesnus dissertatio de Ranunculo bellifloro". Requests copy of a plate for [Jean] Senebier. Sends copy of Burman's "de Geraniis". 'Ranunculus plantaginifolius' of "Systema Vegetabilium" ed 14 found in Swiss Alps this summer; and a 'Bufonia tenuifolia' turned out to be 'Moehringia muscosa'.

Responds to Smith's letter of 24 September: condolences on death of Smith's brother; will enquire of [Jacob] Wyttenbach the particulars of the Berne fireworks display costing more than Haller's collections; comments on error by [Georg Franz] Hoffmann with 'Lichen omphalodes' in "Enumaratio" 4o p.76 and his "Plantae lichenosae" vol 1 p.40. Glad [Adam] Afzelius and François have returned, sorry their collections were attacked by insects so much and asks what liquor Smith uses to protect his specimens. Discusses his agreement with François [Borone] to be supplied with specimens as he is keen to increase his herbarium which is difficult to do in Switzerland; keen to start correspondence and exchange of specimens with [Thomas] Woodward. Will send Smith dried specimens of 'Melampyrum cristatum' this summer, in Switzerland it is a grove plant never seen in corn; he has given a foreign turn to 'Galium pusillum'.

Hopes Smith received parcel sent on 13 October via Mr Sympson containing two letters for Smith and three parcels of seed including 'Minuartia campestris', 'Androsace lactea', and 'Lavatera punctata'.

Transcribes, in French, conversation with and letter from [Jacob] Wyttenbach about a Berne fireworks display which cost more than Haller's collections which the Berne authorities had refused to buy; laments that Haller's herbarium is not available for consultation in Berne. Unable to forward Smith's parcel to [Jacques] Dorthes in Montpellier as communications between there and Geneva have ceased.

Lists reasons for delays with his book: ill-health, lack of space, greater temptation of the "delightful verdure of the country", bad winter light, expanding his herbarium, caring for his garden, his wife's ill health , death of their first child, and family matters. As foreseen by Smith he was too communicative about his plans and Haller's son has taken advantage: after sending him specimens and observations received a manuscript titled "Tentamen additament" or "ad Hist. Stirp. Helv." to be printed in a German magazine in Berne containing articles Haller had no idea of before their "imprudent communications". Infant son in good health.

In a "kind of torpor" and waiting for letter from Smith to reanimate his existence. Aware that Smith's "Sketch of a Tour on the Continent" now published. His last remaining aunt died 31 January of a sudden serious apoplexy at age of 74 and 8 months, having previously been in perfect health. Depressed by his own and his wife's illnesses and threat of invasion by French to his wife and son, and library and herbarium formed at expense of more than a third his patrimony. Asks for Smith's assistance in drawing up plans for a heated greenhouse as no mason or carpenter in his area has an idea of the matter; specifications. Requests copies of Smith's "Tour", volume two of "Linnean Transactions" (1794), and continuation of "English Botany", directions for them to be sent.

Note on left-hand margin of recto of first folio detailing most recent letters received from and sent to Smith.

Requests translation of [Dietrich Heinrich] Stoever's "Life of Linnaeus". Responds to Smith's letter of 14 March: suffering from "wretchedly weak" stomach and "violent windy colic"; will send further information on Haller's library; will dry 'Orchis abortiva' and 'Satyrium hircinum' for [Thomas] Woodward; offers to send Smith ripe seed of his 'Morina persica' which looks as though it will flower this year; observes that his 'Cerinthe perennis' he wanted to be figured in Smith's "Spicilegium botanicum" is Haller's 'Cerinthe' in his "Historia & Nomenel". Thrilled by Smith's Botany Bay specimens especially 'Epacris', 'Embothrium', new 'Octandria' genus with fruit-like acorn, and obscure 'Diadelphia'.

Transcription of part of letter from [Jacob] Wyttenbach relating his knowledge of sale of Haller's collections and a fireworks display held in Berne the same year costing as much as the collections were sold for, including anecdotes on dispersal of specimens, the younger Haller and Wyttenbach's abandoned proposal to publish new edition of [Albrecht von] Haller's "Historia stirpium indigenarum".

Sending smaller than anticipated parcel of plants via Mandrot. Collated on separate sheet all he knows from [Jacob] Wyttenbach on Haller and his collections [see RelatedMatieral below].

Responds to Smith's observations on plants received via Mandrot June 1793: 'Bromus arvensis' HL, 'Avena strigosa' Schreber, 'Avena strigosa' Retz, 'Triticum tenellum' HL, 'Minuartia campestris' HL, 'Geranium palustre' HL, 'Carex' species, 'Salix incubacea', 'Hieracium', and Lichens: 'Lichen ulmi' Swartz, "aurorae colore" Scopoli, '[Lichen] tumidulus', 'Saxifragus' Smith, and others unnamed [HL probably signifies Herbarium Linnaeus].

Repsonds to Smith's observations in his letter 14 March 1794 on parcel received 10 September 1793: 'Morina pesica', 'Melica ciliata', 'Orchis abortiva' extensive, 'Carex lerporina' L, 'Lichen perlatus', 'Saxifraga mutata'. Would like specimen of 'Ophrys loeselii' in flower to accompany his own in fruit, and 'Malaxis paludosa'.

Includes parcel of mosses, some for [James] Dickson. Asks that [James] Sowerby return plates and copper plates he commissioned.

Delighted by Smith's "Tour", were he ignorant of the author would say "he is the favour'd child of Nature" and enjoyed his remarks on painting. Sends specimens of what he thinks is the 'Carex' like coriander mentioned in "Tour" vol 3 p.142 and corrects errors viz. 'Lichen encaustus' gathered in Alps, of Smith's new lichens only 'exanthematicus' and 'saxifragus' grow near Orbe, Smith's vol 1 p.175 "like a fucus in miniature" [these have all been ticked in pencil]. Sending a few plants. Financial and legal troubles with his wife's eldest brother. Sending plants without numbering, offers to send seed of the 'Verbascum' and 'Digitalis'.

[It is probable that this letter was never sent as it bears no date, valediction, signature or address, appears unfinished, and from references in other letters to a long letter started in January but not sent.]

Currently suffering poor physical and mental health after discovering that a large part of his herbarium has been spoiled by damp though his recent acquisitions escaped, including wild specimen of 'Daphne alpina' Haller "Historia stirpium" no.1026. Reminiscences at length on his life, including his first introduction to botany move to Switzerland following father's death, introduction to Smith and increasing passion for the subject, limitations imposed by decreased patrimony, becoming a recluse, and marrying despite intending to remain single; has been unable to botanise in Alps since that time due to becoming a father, also preventing him from publishing his work and legal troubles with his wife's brother. Describes his son and daughter and fears for their future as they are strangers in both the country of their birth and native land of their father and "the desolation of the times in which we live is fit also to inspire melancholy", thinks England is "running headlong into ruin". Disastrous wars have doubled the price of everything and a famine was only narrowly avoided by an abundant potato crop and Turin rice; the armies on the Rhine and a collusion founded on private interest on part of Balsois to supply neighbouring French with grain disrupted the Swiss' usual provision from Suabia.

Responds to Smith's letter of 26 September 1794: would like to know his opinion of the 'Carex' he sent; sent seed of 'Digitalis' and 'Verbascum nigrum'; the 'Biscutella' specimen and seed he sent Smith originally came from seed from Moscow Hort. Demidof.; 'Saxifraga mutata'; plunging temperatures made him fear for his 'Morina'; Rhine armies and cold weather have pushed wolves into areas of human habitation; account of his discovery of 'Cyathea montana' on Mount Suchet for first time in the Jura, hopes this mountain and Davall's stock of books will tempt Smith to visit as well as plants 'Saxifragus hirculus' and 'Carex leporina' Linnaeus, 'Orchis abortiva', and 'Orchis coriophora'.

Reports death of [Jean Baptiste François] Bulliard [(1752-1793)] who did "so much in the Fungi"; an error in his plate 333 'Crataegus oxyacantha' fig A should be 'Prunus spinosa' fig B 'Crataegus monogyna' Jacquin. Still unable to forward Smith's parcel to [Jacques] Dorthes in Montpellier due to total annihilation of commerce at Geneva. Received [James] Dickson's outline for a greenhouse but needs fully detailed plans, there being no similar structures in Switzerland. Enjoying Smith's "Tour" though confesses he has never read any Rousseau, his eyes being weak from the smallpox and having lived in such seclusion has focused on visiting Nature rather than reading; remarks and opinions on page references Smith gave him from "Tour".

Condolences on death of Smith's father and François Borone. [Adam] Afzelius' great strength of mind in bearing loss of his collections in French attack on Sierra Leone. Hoped the Queen would have more good sense to read the entirety of a work before passing judgement [Smith's "Tour"]. Mandrot not coming to England for first time in twenty years as he does not have time to go via the altered route through Hamburg. Recounts letters and packets most recently sent to Smith.

Forgetting his native language. His gardening work: destroyed a vineyard to make a garden, building walls, and levelling ground, had to closely supervise workmen to control costs. Large part of new ground will be for a kitchen garden to feed his family and hopes to add a greenhouse but needs plans more specific than [James] Dickson's sent as the few greenhouses in Switzerland are "hardly better than cellars". Misses Smith and reminded of him daily. Requests Dickson to reserve "Hortus Siccus Britannicus" for him. Impatient for "English Botany" and "New Holland Botany", suggests sending them via a perfumers on Haymarket.

Last letter received from Smith dated 16 March 1795; recounts most recent letters sent and received between them, his parcel of November 1794 with seeds of 'Digitlalis' and 'Verbascum nigrum' lost on ship seized by French privateer. The war having severe impact on communications with and from Switzerland. Mandrot dead from an apoplexy. Anxious to receive continuations of "English Botany" and [James] Dickson's "Hortus Siccus Britannicus". Conscious that Smith lives "in the very centre of science" and has many correspondents and interesting observations to take up his time. Death of [Jakob] Ehrhart, one of his few Swiss connections since his poor health has made him a recluse. Named his son born 12 September Charles Edward after Linnaeus and Smith. Summarises his long unsent letter of January detailing his despair at damp which destroyed much of his herbarium.

Responds to Smith's letter of 28 October [1795]. Regrets not marrying an Englishwoman as he now feels exiled from England and Smith, and tormented by notion that his children are strangers both in country of their birth and native country of their father. Has bound all correspondence received from Smith to fulfill Smith's request that if either of them should die the letters be returned to the other. Despondent that his life not as happy as it would have been if he had lived nearer to Smith but consoled that Smith's affection for him has grown with his increase of occupations, connections, and distance between them; hopes he and Mrs Smith will visit.

Wrote to Smith 10 November enclosing 'Digitalis' seed from 1794, recommends it to [James] Lee though it probably will not rise till spring 1797. Was not well last summer so did not collect 'Saxifragus mutata' as intended.