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.

Obliged for potatoes. Has instructed that they be planted and labelled.

Sends £90 [for experiments on potatoes]. Sorry JT cannot get his varieties well enough known to ensure large sale.

CD’s gardener reports that potatoes were not attacked by disease, but yield was not good. Noble of JT to plan the return of subscriptions if trade continues to improve.