Queries on 'Thea' for his dissertation on same: asks why Linnaeus' named two species, 'Thea bohea' and 'T. viridis', asks that Smith consult Linnaean specimens.

[Smith has noted his reply of 12 February 1825] Relates his findings following examination of Linnaeus' specimens; confusion caused by the Chinese sending specimens of species of 'Thea' and 'Camelliae' to Europe under guise of different teas; has never been able to find any specific difference between 'T. bohea' and 'T. viridis'.

Tells CD a bill is all right. Hopes his father will pay it and a wine merchant’s bill as well.

EAD thinks it a pity if CD does not go to Cambridge, but it will be very pleasant for them to be together at Edinburgh, where they should go as soon as possible and read. EAD is getting "case-hardened" in anatomy.

Sorry that [Robert] Brown has declined Secretaryship of the Linnean Society, as he would have "done so much honour to the Society"; [James] Bicheno is willing to accept the post if offered; [Edward] Barnard also expressed an interest, but majority of Council favours Bicheno. Departure of [Alexander] Macleay a "great loss" for the Society but the colony [New South Wales] will benefit, as "such a man is much wanted there"; [Joseph] Sabine has been called out on his proposed portait of Macleay.

He has moved to Hale End, [Essex], invites Smith to stay when next in London.

Thanks for Christmas turkey. Will ask [James] Bicheno what Smith said respecting Turner's explusion. Requested further information from [William] Borrer on 'Salix tetrapla' Walker. Wished to proposes Mertens as FMLS but afraid to in consequence of Dawson Turner's "slander", will attempt again next year.

Expects Smith will have trouble with cryptogamia; thinks the public expects Smith to give the whole vegetable kingdom ["English Flora"].

Enclosing Dr [Robert Kaye] Greville's Highland mosses for Smith in his Norwich parcel. Encloses specimen of 'Hypnum trifarium' gathered on a Highland excursion; observations on its habitat. Hopes to make another excursion this summer.

Would like to borrow the drawing of Josef Fraunhofer's telescope. Has received an account of this telescope from Wilhelm Struve, which he is now translating. Regarding the miscarriage of the Memoirs for Struve.

Comments on a variety of topics about various scientific persons on the Continent, on JH's travels in Europe, on ways to send packets between England and Europe, and on FZ's copy of the Nautical Almanac, which FZ has not yet received. Makes comparisons between his and JH's barometer, offers some comet observations, and talks about the appropriate date for Easter. Awaits JH's double star observations.

On instruction of Legislature of Jamaica encloses copies of a Report of the House of Assembly and Resolution of the House on establishment of a botanic garden in Jamaica [extant]. Investigations to be carried out on how the soil of the island will support new vegetable cultivation or further of indigo, tobacco, and mulberry; lists skills required of curator of the garden, requests Smith's opinions.

Manuscript copies encloses copy of report of the House of Assembly, 14 December 1824, and resolution of the House Assembly, 16 December 1824, on establishment of a botanic garden.

Giving details of Giuseppe Bianchi's barometer. Regarding the experiments of Leopoldo Nobili on the electrization of mercury. Gives tables of star observations.

About lodgings in London [see JG's 1824-12-31], JG's writing, and his 'love affairs.'

More about lodgings in London [see JG's 1825-2-14], and about books JG and JH have read [letter completed 1825-3-9].

Reports on some observations from JS's observatory near Paris and on his contacts with the Paris Observatory. Relays to JH a request from Alexander von Humboldt for barometric observations. Invites JH to visit.

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.

Has recently discovered in Cumberland a rich vein of cobalt, which is mixed with iron. Would like his opinion whether these ores can be easily separated. Can send him a specimen if required.

No summary available.

Regarding his own experiments with revolving balls.

Declines offer of Secretaryship of the Linnean Society and explains his decision. Pleased that Smith's health has improved and his progress with the third volume of "The English Flora". Sending Smith his appendix to "Captain Parry's 1st Voyage" and his contribution to the botanical appendix of "Captain Franklin's journey". Pleased that Smith is to adopt Brown's proposals for 'Cruciferae', and comments on [Augustin Pyramus] de Candolle's work on the same.

Sending moss specimens he has lately described. Awaiting specimens of 'Hypnum alpestre' and 'H. trifariense' for his "Scottish work"; 'H. halleri' is engraved. Found 'Splachnum rugosum' of "English botany" on Ben Lawers; believes it distinct from 'S. vasculosum', which he is drawing at the moment. He and [George] Arnott have been applying Smith's "favourite maxim" in classifying the splachnoid mosses, in doing so have overturned much of the previous work by other authors; observations on the genus. Regrets calling the work a new arrangement.

Since last writing 'Senecio tenuifolius' has been added to flora of Scotland. [William Jackson] Hooker on his journey to London and Paris. Received letter from Revd Lewis de Schweinitz [(1780-1834), botanist] of Pennsylvannia, who has raised number of American fungi to 2000. Requests specimen of 'Daltonia splachnoides'.

[Robert] Brown has declined the Linnean Society Secretaryship; it would be a waste of his "great talents". Unsurpised that [Alexander] Macleay should think the Secretaryship undervalued as he made himself President whilst the position by ordering councils without consulting any of the vice-presidents, contrary to the charter. Glad that Smith approves of [James] Bicheno.

Sorry to hear of Smith's loss in India but forwarded his letter to [William] Roscoe; worries about his friends in Madras, where the has been bad cholera. Sir Thomas Raffles [(1781-1826), founder of Singapore] is fitting up Sir Humphry Davy's house to make a large display of natural history specimens. There are many candidates for Linnean Society membership though unsure whether or not they are practical naturalists; has always feared an influx of unscientific persons. Has a "sort of dread" of the Horticultural Society.