Hooker is greatly overworked at Kew and is trying to get the Government to provide some help. CD hopes THF will take an interest in the matter and forwards a copy of JDH’s application for an assistant.

THF would do a good deal if he gets Agricultural Society to rear cross-fertilised seeds. Society excellent channel for distribution of fungus-proof variety [of potato]. If James Torbitt will carry on work another year, CD will offer him £100.

Concerns [James] Torbitt’s potato plants and the question of their trial by the Experimental Committee of the Royal Agricultural Society and a request to the Government for the needed expense. THF and CD to set a date for consultation with the botanist [William] Carruthers.

Describes James Torbitt’s plan for producing disease-resistant potato varieties. [Letter is an earlier version of 11406.]

Forwards letter from James Caird concerning funds for potato experiments. CD will correct his letter to THF [11389] and then forward it to Hooker for his opinion.

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.

If THF and James Caird [Enclosure Commissioner] approve of enclosed letter, CD will send it to Hooker.

Has returned letter to Caird and dispatched corrected letter to Hooker [11406] [concerning potato experiments].

Hooker approves of Torbitt’s plan [concerning potato experiments]. Torbitt, wine and spirit merchant in Belfast, highly respectable.

James Caird does not think Torbitt’s success justifies application to Government. Torbitt has four acres planted with seedlings. Has sent back CD’s £100. Shall CD insist that he keep it?

Thanks THF and James Caird for their assistance. Will send back the £100 to Torbitt.

Wishes to call on THF to discuss the situation with regard to Horace Darwin [who wishes to marry THF’s daughter, Emma Cecilia (Ida)].

Forwards newspaper reports by growers of Torbitt’s potatoes. Torbitt is in much distress and CD fears all his work will be thrown away unless he is aided.

Discusses financial and other arrangements for marriage of Horace Darwin and Ida Farrer. Mentions anticipated inheritance of children.

Has written to Torbitt.

Received enclosed report from Torbitt on potato experiments.