Sends "worm journal" – observations of earthworm activity at Abinger.
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Sends "worm journal" – observations of earthworm activity at Abinger.
James Caird does not think Torbitt’s success justifies application to Government. Torbitt has four acres planted with seedlings. Has sent back CD’s £100. Shall CD insist that he keep it?
Asks CD’s opinion of an experiment on Drosera.
Questions CD on sale of his books in America by Appleton and other publishers; copyright and translation rights.
Much pleased with CD’s book [Cross and self-fertilisation]. Is struck by width and caution of his generalisations and by the application of experiment to processes of life hitherto merely observed.
Counted 40 worm-holes after rain; four or five in the wall.
Sends two papers on Roman ruins at Cirencester, which he asks CD to return.
Worm observations.
Hive-bees captured in tubes of nectary of Tritoma. Seems a maladaptation of the bees.
CD’s quest for Government support for potato experiments by James Torbitt.
THF would do a good deal if he gets Agricultural Society to rear cross-fertilised seeds. Society excellent channel for distribution of fungus-proof variety [of potato]. If James Torbitt will carry on work another year, CD will offer him £100.
Describes James Torbitt’s plan for producing disease-resistant potato varieties. [Letter is an earlier version of 11406.]
Concerns [James] Torbitt’s potato plants and the question of their trial by the Experimental Committee of the Royal Agricultural Society and a request to the Government for the needed expense. THF and CD to set a date for consultation with the botanist [William] Carruthers.
Agricultural Society will not do potato experiments. Torbitt telegraphs that seeds to be sown tomorrow. Memorial with a few signatures might get grant from Government. Hooker believes plan the right one.
Forwards letter from James Caird concerning funds for potato experiments. CD will correct his letter to THF [11389] and then forward it to Hooker for his opinion.
Believes letter from CD endorsed by JDH will virtually guarantee Government or private support for Torbitt’s experiments. Queries experimental procedure.
Caird agrees that there will be no difficulty in getting finances.
Has returned letter to Caird and dispatched corrected letter to Hooker [11406] [concerning potato experiments].
Hooker approves of Torbitt’s plan [concerning potato experiments]. Torbitt, wine and spirit merchant in Belfast, highly respectable.
What does Torbitt propose to do with CD’s £100; does he want another £100 now or soon?
Suggests Torbitt proceed with his work for this year; if he wishes to continue next year THF will try to arrange Government support.