Sets out specific propositions concerning his potato varieties, which he will make to the Government, if he is given CD’s and T. H. Farrer’s support.

JT attempting to get Government backing for his experiments; wishes to quote from CD’s letter in support of his work.

Has raised about 500 varieties out of the crop of the second generation comprising about 1500 varieties. Growers report immense yield and no disease. Doubts if variety free of disease will live for ever. New varieties must be continually coming into existence.

Thinks his private notes failed to convey his ideas. JT wanted CD "to look at the product and express an opinion as to its value".

Forster cannot help at present. Is sending copies of an enclosure [missing] to Downing Street.

Will CD hold the £90 for JT? Asks him to read enclosed printed letter to W. E. Gladstone which he hopes will attract attention.

Report on the progress of his experiments with potatoes; some varieties spoilt by an apparently hereditary disease.

Sends CD some samples of recent produce. Is "pretty well disgusted by the apathy and stupidity" he has encountered whilst trying to arouse interest and support for his work.

Receipt, in CD’s hand, signed by JT, acknowledging subscriptions.

Obliged for Belfast Journal.

Almost impossible to determine what constitutes an individual. Definition for sexually reproducing organisms does not apply to lower ones.

Thanks for essay [Cras credemus: a treatise on the cultivation of the potato from the seed, having for proposed results the extinction of the disease (1876)] and seeds. Thinks principle on which JT is acting is right.

Cannot allow publication of his earlier letter [10368], as he cannot recall what he wrote.

JT may publish CD’s letter.

Gives advice on breeding of blight-resistant potatoes.

Does not think that publishing his letters as advertisement [for potato experiments] would help JT’s cause, so CD cannot give permission.

Regrets that he has neither the time nor health to undertake crossing experiments with JT’s specimens. Discusses crossing varieties.

Makes suggestions regarding statement on potato experiments to be published in Daily News.

Comments on letter on potato experiments JT intends to publish. Will talk with T. H. Farrer concerning JT’s work. Could he undertake work if aided by moderate grant or subscription?

T. H. Farrer will consider which department of Government to apply to [for funds for potato experiments]. Government will probably ask Hooker for advice, so CD has written to him. How much money does JT need?

T. H. Farrer has talked to James Caird. He believes Royal Agricultural Society will cultivate JT’s seeds. CD pledges £100 for JT’s own experiments.

No use in thinking about Royal Agricultural Society. William Carruthers, botanist of Society, thinks attempt hopeless. T. H. Farrer and James Caird are thinking of application to Government. Makes suggestions about experiments [on potatoes].

T. H. Farrer and James Caird think it would be less trouble to get subscription from rich agriculturists than from Government. CD thinks it utopian to hope to raise variety of potatoes from seed; must be propagated from tubers.