Torbitt too poor to go on with [potato] experiments. If anything is to be done it must be by Government.
Showing 1–19 of 19 items
Torbitt too poor to go on with [potato] experiments. If anything is to be done it must be by Government.
[Letter written as a postscript to 11406.] CD has reread his letter of 7 Mar 1878 about the value of James Torbitt’s work on the potato disease and has nothing to withdraw. Emphasises Torbitt’s need for immediate financial help.
Describes subscription for Torbitt [to continue potato experiments]. Would dislike writing to any paper, but Hensleigh [Wedgwood] and Erasmus [Darwin] advise CD to write to the Times.
Thanks THF for his contribution; now has £170 to permit Torbitt to carry on his experiments. Describes the scale of the experiments and his belief in their value.
Sends some questions raised by THF’s notes on earthworms at Abinger; he plans to use them in his book.
Questions the exact location of rooms and trenches at Abinger excavation [for Earthworms].
Thanks THF for notes on Abinger excavation. Asks for more castings.
THF’s copybook has cleared up all points. The castings are invaluable. Encloses further queries [missing].
Is worried about brick particles in worm-castings. Asks THF for castings from a site where possible error would be avoided.
Has started experiment to see whether particles of stone become rounded in the gizzards of worms.
Statement of money transactions with James Torbitt and record of year’s success enclosed. Torbitt desires him to return £90. He is doubtful of being able to continue this spring.
Suggests Torbitt make a report on his progress so far.
Encloses note and cheque from James Caird [for Torbitt].
Agrees that CD should write to the Times [about Torbitt’s potato experiments].
Encloses letter from James Caird, who has entire confidence in CD’s appropriation of the money [collected for Torbitt’s experiments].
Replies to CD’s questions [in 12732] regarding the Abinger Hall excavations.
Torbitt.
Family news.
Sends the marked plans of the Abinger Hall excavation site.
Replies to CD’s questions about worms at Abinger ruins.
Notes and replies to queries on worm-castings and worm activity on a rubble-covered road.