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'].