Arthur Bruce, Edinburgh, to James Edward Smith, Norwich, [Norfolk]

Replies to Smith's letter of 9 August 1798. Working on long delayed paper [on cattle]. Spent time in Fifeshire, Perthshire, and Roxburghshire last year, found no new acquisitions but saw 'Oenanthe fistulosa', 'Sison inundatum', 'Pilularia globulifera', 'Convallaria polygonatum', 'Euonymus europaeus', 'Utricularia', roots of 'Serapies longifolia', 'Valeriana diocia'. "Flora Britannica" much anticipated. Recently received specimens from Lady Ashburton, in Devon, of 'Scilla autumnalis', 'Convolvulus soldanella', 'Colyledon umbil.', 'Crithmum maritimum', and species of 'Geranium'. Natural History Society of Edinburgh recovering from late treasurer, Mr Cunningham's, insolvency and loss of their funds; they have committed all funds and secretaryship to himself. His solitary mode of life. Smith's labours on British grasses will be much appreciated. Thanks for specimens from Smith