Discusses sterility of potato flowers.

Asks how much aid JT requires [for potato experiments].

Sends £100 to JT. T. H. Farrer and James Caird think they can get another £100 next year [for potato experiments].

JT may publish enclosed [letter by CD?], but it is not worth publication.

Discusses methods of fertilising potatoes.

Congratulates JT on success in breeding potato varieties.

Encourages JT’s experiments. His case of flowering of black potatoes is curious. CD surprised that they are odoriferous and visited by bees. This letter was thought to be to David Moore, because it was in the private collection of a descendant, but is extremely close to a draft to JT on the letter from JT, 30 April 1879 (DCP-LETT-12020). It is not known how it passed from JT to David Moore.

Has seen newspaper accounts of JT’s potato experiments. T. H. Farrer wants to know whether JT has published any account of them, and how much assistance he needs.

Wrote to T. H. Farrer about JT’s potato experiments. Would be calamity if JT were prevented from trying successful fungus-proof variety for a few more years.

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.