Concedes Smith's claim that he is a lazy correspondent but has been away travelling in Italy. Saw [William] Thomson[(c 1760-1806), mineralogist and physician] in Florence, has decided to settle in Naples after discussion with Sir William Hamilton [(1731-1803) diplomat]. His garden is growing well, offers to send specimens. Complains that plants he received from the Songo firm in London have not flourished possibly due to lack of attention in transit. Recommends Smith contact the Loddigas nurseries for plants that cannot be obtained through friends. Requests seeds of 'Mimosa', 'Cassis', and 'Pinus juniperus', amongst others. Asks if [William] Aiton's "Hortus Kewensis" is worth purchasing to assist in laying out his greenhouse and to send it via Mr Aubert if so. Smith's books have been sent to Turin, Italy, to the required address.