Wants CD to forward to Chancellor of Exchequer a letter which explains the progress he has made in his potato crossing. Wants to print a CD letter to arouse public interest in the work.

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?

Thanks for letter. Prepared to continue experiments if aided. Thinks of distributing new [potato] varieties. Believes seeds should be planted this spring.

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].

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].

Thanks for £100; will pay for planting this year’s varieties.

Progress of experiments. Wants CD’s advice on best way to cross-fertilise his plants.

Discusses methods of fertilising potatoes.

Has forwarded what he believes to be a new species of Solanum.