Returns CD’s letter [11389] of which he has kept a copy.

Thanks ASW for Aegilops seed.

Agricultural Society will not do potato experiments. Torbitt telegraphs that seeds to be sown tomorrow. Memorial with a few signatures might get grant from Government. Hooker believes plan the right one.

Has been poorly.

Comments on goose with abnormal wing.

Thanks CD for his expression of interest in SBJS’s work. His researches on the age and divisions of the Palaeolithic period will be published soon by the Geological Survey [On the manufacture of gun-flints, the methods of excavating for flint, the age of Palaeolithic man, etc. (1879)].

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].