Describes problems of raising money [for potato experiments]. "A Government official in another office remarked to me that it was very difficult for Ministers to decide what to do in such cases as they must be prepared for mere cavillers in the H[ouse] of Commons."

Glad to hear about vines.

Hopes JT will be able to continue work without Government aid. "It is enough to sicken one to see how politicians waste their time squabbling and neglect doing any good."

Going to London today to speak to T. H. Farrer about funds for potato breeding experiments. "I have told Farrer I would subscribe £50."

Encloses check [cheque!?] for £50. James Caird will guarantee £75 and T. H. Farrer £25. Above gentlemen think JT should get report on his experiments from independent agriculturists.

P.S. to letter posted that morning. James Caird cannot pledge £75. Erasmus Darwin and Hensleigh Wedgwood will subscribe. May write letter to the Times. Asks for report on experiments.

Sends funds for potato experiments. Asks for information on progress.

Queries how much land has been used to cultivate potato varieties, and how many seedlings have been raised in any one year.

Asks about possible erratum in JT’s account of experiments.

Asks for additional information about JT’s potato experiments.

Thanks for letter and documents [about potato experiments]. Will send testimonial letter to James Caird to be circulated among possible financial supporters of JT’s work.

"[James] Caird seems satisfied with what I have said of your method and the results hitherto attained." Can now promise to send £90 in the autumn.

Encloses letter about JT’s potato experiments sent to T. H. Farrer.

Cannot offer any assistance in urging Government to aid JT’s experiments. Thinks best chance through [William Edward?] Forster. William Carruthers reported to Royal Agricultural Society that JT’s attempt was hopeless.

Offers advice concerning letter to [William Edward?] Forster requesting Government aid [for potato experiments].

Rejoices at good news. Will let T. H. Farrer hear the result. Cannot see why some of new varieties should not endure fungus-proof for years.

"Your secret shall be inviolable, and to make sure in case of my illness or death I have now burnt your letter."

Wishes JT success in commercial venture.

Thanks for report [on potato experiments].

Still has subscription money for JT’s experiments. How much does he need?

Does JT require part or all of £90 that CD holds from subscribers for his experiments?

Suggests JT make public his letter to W. E. Gladstone [on results of potato experiments]; thinks post office would object to JT’s plan of distribution.

T. H. Farrer and James Caird express great interest in JT’s report. Have instructed CD to hold £90 for use by JT in spring. Caird asks that potatoes be sent to his gardener for trials.