Encloses generic description of 'Afzelia' [extant]. Studied the 'Brownea' and found they consitute a whole family; Linnaeus took the genus up from Jacquin, Jacquin's first plant different species from Loesling's, among his African plants there are 3 genera belonging to 'Brownea' family, [William] Roxburgh's 'Jonesia' and Aublet's 'Eperica' also belong to it; queries for Smith to follow up.

[Note in Smith's hand detailing his reply] will soon publish essential characters of 'Afzelia' with some other genera in a pamphlet.

Description of 'Afzelia' [in Latin, 4 pp]

Happiness at hearing of marriage of Smith's "amiable young friend". Regret at Smith having removed to Norwich. Relates his summer excursions in Carlingford Bay, Ireland, where he encountered naturalised 'Antirrhinum cymbalaria' and 'Veronica decussata' growing profusely, before sailing to Portpatrick, Scotland. Description of the countryside, including ruins of Castle Kennedy. Travelled onto Glasgow via Culzean Castle, with a description of its setting, and remarks on improvements to Glasgow, return journey to Portpatrick including mountains and plantations. Concludes that August is a bad month for botany, nonetheless found a profusion of 'Parnassia', 'Campanula rotundifolia' covers the fields, missed 'Rhodiola rosea' in Portpatrick. Stayed with Lord Clanbrassil [James Hamilton (1730-1798) 2nd Earl of Clanbrassil] in Dandalk, Ireland, description of his house and grounds, "a great amateur". Congratulates Smith on five plates in [William Curtis'] "Botanical Magazine". Asks whether it is worth subscribing to [Robert John] Thornton's [(c 1768-1837), physician and writer on botany] work. Asks if publication of Andrew's "Ericas" goes on. Saw a 'Phalana' from Virginia at Glasgow that may have been taken for a 'Papilio', reminded him of Smith on insects of North America, and in the "Nat. Miscel." as 'Luna'. Asks if Smith's "Flora" is to be an improved edition of Hudson ["Flora Anglica"]. [Walter] Wade satisfied with 'Hillarney', asks if the enclosed specimen [extant] is '[Hymenophyllum tunbridgense]'. Believes the "invasion" to be a "villainous state trick" [probably General Hoche's attempt in December 1796 to invade at Bantry Bay, Ireland].

Specimen of ['Hymenophyllum tunbridgense'].

Alarmed at the state of growing unrest in Ireland. Comments on reports published by a secret committee of both Houses of Parliament and the "great ability and contrivance shown by the conspirators". Fearful of consequences of a successful French invasion. An unusually cold spring has prevented him from botanising. Disappointed to not get the benefit of Smith's recent lectures. [Walter] Wade will repay Smith soon. Would like to see Smith's 'Lepidopteros' insects but the cost of travelling is very high because of the domestic situation, hopes Smith will give the etymology of the terminology in his study. Believes Smith's friend Johns will have a "magnificent fund of entertainment" in studying shells, remarks that the collection of [Charles Alexandre de] Calonne [(1734-1802) French statesman] probably arose "more from ostentation than taste".

Presumes Smith returned sometime ago from his trip to Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire. Has brought a few of the halfpence Smith was desirous of, has heard that they are made in Birmingham, Warwickshire, in sets. Has not yet seen third volume of "Linnean Transactions". Dublin Botanic Garden "goes on famously" but still no head gardener appointed. Disappointed by lack of natural history and botany in Sir George Staunton's "Voyage", believes he may have been restrained by political motives. Encloses a 'Fumaria' he believes is the one in "English Botany". Assumes Smith has postponed publication of the second volume of his "Tour".

Received Smith's letter of 19 [May 1797]; glad specimens reached him. Congratulates Smith on his move to Norwich and his marriage. Feels his advancing age; offers to bequeath his herbarium to Smith. News of Dr Woolcombe and Mr McRitchie. Rejoices at prosperity of Linnean Society and success of "Linnean Transactions".

Thanks for Smith's letter of 18 June [1797]; gratified by Smith's acceptance of offer of his herbarium on his death. Recently visited Fife, Dumfermline; account of a gelatinous marine plant. Satisfaction at "Linnean Transactions" and papers on 'Fucus' and 'Carex' in third and second volumes. Encloses specimens from Mrs Roget [extant]. Smith's description of [Nicholas] Gwyn makes him think of "some majestic oak" now mouldering away. All in expectation of Smith's "Flora Britannica". Supposes his Scottish 'Silene amoena' and the Welsh are the same.

Two specimens, labelled by Smith "'Orobus tuberosa' narrow leaved" and "'Valeriana rubra' dwarf".

His Highland tour cancelled due to bad weather. Account of the harvest, which is progressing well; agricultural unrest. Intends to send a paper on the original breed of black cattle.

Thanks for election as F.M.L.S.; sends memoirs.

His travels through Holland, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland, intends to winter in Lausanne. Five days after embarking from Yarmouth, Norfolk, briefly taken prisoner by the Dutch and taken to Amsterdam along with Lord Berwick [Thomas Noel Hill (1770-1832) 2nd Baron Berwick of Attingham] and other passengers, but his baggage was spared and he was able see Holland which he would not have otherwise done. In Germany, where "they respect the Linnean Society", relates that [Georg Franz] Hoffmann, director of Göttingen Botanic Garden, has found undiscovered species in 'Jungermannia' and would like to send a paper on it to the Linnean Society but uneasy over the expense of drawings and plates, wonders if the Society would defray all or part of it. [Christiaan Hendrik] Persoon has complained to [Johann Friedrich] Blumenbach and others that he sent the Society several valuable 'Cryptogamous' plants and not had them acknowledged in any way. Hoffman is intending to publish a new account of the genus 'Aster'.

At Bern, Switzerland, saw [Jacob Samuel] Wyttenbach who informed him that [Edmund] Davall is suffering from a paralytic affliction. In Switzerland has discovered a "very excellent and laborious botanist", [Johann Christoph] Schleicher [(1768-1834)], based at Bix. Unsure how long he will remain in Switzerland as his intentions of returning to England via the veterinary schools of France are hindered by the distant "prospect of a peace" with France. Friends are attempting to get him a passport, asks for assistance from Smith and Sir Joseph Banks in attempting to obtain a pass from the Directory [Executive Directory, body of five directors that held executive power in France, 1795-1799] as has been told that letters of recommendation from men of science hold more weight than from men in power.

Sending part one of his edition of "Species plantarum", apologises for deficiencies; reliant on his own herbarium, not having access to England's "well-endowed" herbariums.

Thanks for plants; sends works; Salisbury.

Thanks Smith for the present of rare plants. Concerned with the economic aspects of botany rather than scientific: attempting to find new plants for cultivation and improve yields and quality of plants already cultivated. Planning a series of experiments with Mr Schmeisser to verify the causes of the fertility of particular grounds for particular plants. Has made a herbarium pictum in the style of Lord Bute's [John Stuart, 1st Marquess of Bute (1744-1814)].

Success of his work with the poor of Hamburg, who now number less than 2500, subsequently asked to assist with establishment of similar instituions in Bern and Copenhagen. Account of his 500 acre model agricultural estate [at Flotbeck], he teaches his neighbours more efficient farming practices. Congratulates Smith on his marriage. Asks after progress of Smith's ["Botany of New Holland"] and "Flora Britannica". Will attempt to send Smith 'Lepidoptera' specimens from the Dutch colonies. Sympathises with Mr Patterson's loss, no longer needs the plough and other implements requested of him several months ago. Death of Dr Giesck. It is now fashionable for German botanists to study Cryptogamy. Thanks Smith for offer of a collection of English provincial half-pennys. Mr Schmeisser and Mr Wattenbach ask to remembered to Smith.

Her misfortunes: financial plights of herself and her children, emotional turmoil caused by death of her favourite daughter. Seeks employment to draw and colour plates for Smith's next "magnificent" work of natural history.

Has just seen the prospectus for [Robert] Thornton's "New Illustration of the Sexual System of Linnaeus" but it is too expensive for him to subscribe to, will inform Smith if he finds anyone willing to do so. A long time since he heard from Smith; eager to hear if he has published anything in meantime.

Apologises for delay in responding to Smith's letter of 15 October 1793 and informs Smith that the Royal Scientific Society [of Uppsala] intends to publish volume 6 of their "Transactions" this year, requests paper from Smith for it. [Johan] Acrel and [Carl] Thunberg send greetings.

Received Smith's letter of 1 February; congratulates him on his marriage and for giving up the "drudgery of medical practice" to devote himself to the "study of sciences". Urges Smith to undertake the production of a new "Genera and Species Plantarum" for the honour of Britain, as [Joseph Pitton de] Tournefort and Linnaeus did for France and Sweden.

Since his return from Burma has been botanising at Luckipore, India, on the east side of the Meghna River, and sending findings to [William] Roxburgh, arranging geographical papers, written a treatise on the religion of the Burmas, and is comfortable except for want of books and a wife. Concerned that the papers he sent for possible inclusion in "Linnean Transactions" have not been received, and that Smith is ignorant of the "Enumeration of Burma" plants, specimens and drawings that were probably offered to Sir Joseph Banks. If Banks is not interested in them he is confident that [William Fullerton] Elphinstone, director [of the East India Company], will assist Smith in procuring them for himself.

Makes some observations on his "Enumeratio", mostly corrections and clarifications in the naming of plants and new genera, with reference to Roxburgh and [Jonas] Dryander: his 'Asclepias tinctoria' is in fact 'Asclepias tingens'; his 'Sium ninsi' is '[Sium] sisarum' as stated by Dryander in "Linnean Transactions"; a new genus of 'Laurus' which Roxburgh names 'Buchania', believes the plant he sent which Smith named for him is a 'Valisneria'; does not agree that 'Oxalis corniculata' is two species as discussed in "Linnean Transactions"; his 'Rhizophora conjugata' Roxburgh has since named '[Rhizophora] decandra'; his 'Hibiscus strigosus' may just be variety of '[Hibiscus] cannabinus'; his 'Epidendrums' are all 'Limodorums'; believes his 'Bryonia saggitata' is the same as Roxburgh's '[Bryonia] umbellata'; his 'Pandanus pecten' is Roxburgh's '[Pandanus] foetidus'; and his 'Cissampelos pata' is Roxburgh's '[Cissampelos] hexandra'.

Does not collect insects but has sent a parcel of dried plants, will supply descriptions if desired. Dampness and insects currently make it impossible for him to preserve plants and form a collection. Notes on the plants he has sent to Smith: 'Gardenia bisperma' could differ from plant "barbarously" named by Roxburgh; he thought 'Asclepias reticulata' might be the 'Apocynum reticulatum' but now sure it is new to Linnaeus; his 'Polygonum sagittatum' may be the new species '[Polygonum] horridum'; 'Kirpa', a fine timber tree, is 'Decandria monogynia'; believes Roxburgh's 'Athulia aquatica' is a new genus; the 'Painlot' of the natives may be a 'Tannonia' although he has called it a 'Bryonia', has not found the female plant; the plant he called 'Urtica' may not belong to that genus, having only seen the female flowers; and the plant with six stamens inserted into a globular nectarium of which he formerly sent a drawing is 'Amur'. Literary pursuits frustrated by a lack of books.

Had expected to see Roxburgh taking a botanical excursion up the river by this time and recommends such a trip in the cold weather as being advantageous to his health; encloses account [extant] and specimens of a locust swarm, one of the "numberless natural curiosities" of this country, to encourage him to visit.

At [William] Roxburgh's request sends Smith box of insects collected in Calcutta, observations: 1. 'Meloë cichorii', comparison to 'Meloë visicatorius' and its use by European physicians in Calcutta, an account by Captain [Thomas] Hardwicke in "Asiatick Researches"; 2. an insect found in the Botanic Garden and preserved in spirit [Smith annotation: "'Acheta monstrosa' Fabr[icius] Syst[ema entomologiae?]"]; 3. an unnamed insect that emerges after October rainy season [Smith annotation: "'Gryllus monstrorus' Drury's Ins. v2 t43 f1 ["Illustrations of natural history"]"]

In Italy; the collections arrived in Paris; insects almost entirely destroyed but plants in good state; thanks to Smith and Banks for having procurred their return.

Difficulties of training and educating Smith's "young friend", Mr Johnes, in agriculture. Disinclined to send him to Edinburgh or Glasgow as knowledge in philosophy "is of no use in life [and] serves to make a man conceited and dogmatical". Criticises those teachers who speculate on agriculture from a distance and relates his own treatise on the proper education for a farmer. Requests Smith's help in locating a former correspondent from whom he once received a sample of "Peruvian wool". Concern for the health of Miss Johnes. Has just received from Dr [James] Anderson in India a sample of wool of a "bright golden yellow"; had it been found near Colchis it "might have been supposed to be the golden fleece".