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].

Problems of continuing with his crossing experiments; financial help from CD.

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.

Talk of a subscription to help JT’s experiments. Progress of experiment; loss of fungus-resistance in varieties as they age.

Potato crossing experiments. Encloses printed copies of letters from people who have grown his potato seed.

Life history of potato varieties. Changes in fruit, flower, and seed production with increasing age of a variety.

Discusses sterility of potato flowers.

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

Sales of [potato] varieties have reduced amount of money needed [for experiments].

Thanks for CD’s criticism and advice. The difficult question of whether varieties "wear out".

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