Torbitt too poor to go on with [potato] experiments. If anything is to be done it must be by Government.

[Letter written as a postscript to 11406.] CD has reread his letter of 7 Mar 1878 about the value of James Torbitt’s work on the potato disease and has nothing to withdraw. Emphasises Torbitt’s need for immediate financial help.

Suggests Torbitt make a report on his progress so far.

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.

Encloses note and cheque from James Caird [for Torbitt].

Agrees that CD should write to the Times [about Torbitt’s potato experiments].

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.

Encloses letter from James Caird, who has entire confidence in CD’s appropriation of the money [collected for Torbitt’s experiments].

Sends some questions raised by THF’s notes on earthworms at Abinger; he plans to use them in his book.

Replies to CD’s questions [in 12732] regarding the Abinger Hall excavations.

Torbitt.

Family news.

Questions the exact location of rooms and trenches at Abinger excavation [for Earthworms].

Sends the marked plans of the Abinger Hall excavation site.

Thanks THF for notes on Abinger excavation. Asks for more castings.

Replies to CD’s questions about worms at Abinger ruins.

THF’s copybook has cleared up all points. The castings are invaluable. Encloses further queries [missing].

Is worried about brick particles in worm-castings. Asks THF for castings from a site where possible error would be avoided.

Notes and replies to queries on worm-castings and worm activity on a rubble-covered road.

Has started experiment to see whether particles of stone become rounded in the gizzards of worms.

Statement of money transactions with James Torbitt and record of year’s success enclosed. Torbitt desires him to return £90. He is doubtful of being able to continue this spring.

Concerning subscriptions raised for Torbitt’s experiments on potato disease.

Comments on CD’s latest book [Movement in plants].