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.

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].

Discusses methods of fertilising potatoes.

Congratulates JT on success in breeding potato varieties.