Forwards letter from Victor Kennedy reporting on the growth of JT’s potatoes in W. Ireland.

Forwards letter from George Callwell reporting what a large and disease-free potato crop JT’s seed yields.

Has examined this year’s crop, which looks good; will prepare a report.

Has found no [potato] variety whose foliage can resist the parasite, except when grown under glass.

Has had an account of his experiments published. Sends CD some specimens of seedlings and tubers.

Describes one of his varieties of potato in its third and fourth years. [CD notes his observations on this variety grown at Down, July 1879.]

Illness of his wife.

Potato crossing experiments; believes he has increased yield considerably.

Success of his experiments; report on recent work.

Encloses latest report on his new potatoes. Believes the plants should be grown from seed every fourth year to preserve yield and disease-resistance.

Intends to get his ideas on the "wearing out" of varieties printed.

This year’s crosses were failures.

Encloses a report on JT’s potato varieties by William Meredith, one of the many individuals in the country who are growing them.

Reports that Phylloxera-resistant vines have been found in an infected region of Portugal.

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?