Would be glad to see RLT at Down if he thinks it fit to come there to deliver the address honouring CD.

Testimonial for S. B. J. Skertchly, stating CD’s high opinion of his work.

Thanks correspondent for a gift of books.

Speculates on origin of habit [of insects?] of laying eggs on plants of certain families.

Nature [21 (1880): 382] has an item about tremors and earth movements in Japan.

Going to London today to speak to T. H. Farrer about funds for potato breeding experiments. "I have told Farrer I would subscribe £50."

The Colonel [J. L. Chester] is pleased [see 12509].

Jos[iah Wedgwood III] is dying.

Encloses check [cheque!?] for £50. James Caird will guarantee £75 and T. H. Farrer £25. Above gentlemen think JT should get report on his experiments from independent agriculturists.

P.S. to letter posted that morning. James Caird cannot pledge £75. Erasmus Darwin and Hensleigh Wedgwood will subscribe. May write letter to the Times. Asks for report on experiments.

Describes subscription for Torbitt [to continue potato experiments]. Would dislike writing to any paper, but Hensleigh [Wedgwood] and Erasmus [Darwin] advise CD to write to the Times.

Thanks THF for his contribution; now has £170 to permit Torbitt to carry on his experiments. Describes the scale of the experiments and his belief in their value.

Thanks for copy of TLB’s Pharmacology [1880].

Sends funds for potato experiments. Asks for information on progress.

Asks about possible erratum in JT’s account of experiments.

Asks for additional information about JT’s potato experiments.

Thanks for letter and documents [about potato experiments]. Will send testimonial letter to James Caird to be circulated among possible financial supporters of JT’s work.

Encloses a statement regarding the progress of Torbitt’s potato experiments, and discusses the handling of the fund CD holds for Torbitt.

"[James] Caird seems satisfied with what I have said of your method and the results hitherto attained." Can now promise to send £90 in the autumn.

Encloses letter about JT’s potato experiments sent to T. H. Farrer.

Discusses a book

and the "splendid news about the elections".