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?

Suggests Torbitt proceed with his work for this year; if he wishes to continue next year THF will try to arrange Government support.

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

Sends Ledum, the nectar of which catches many insects.

Describes his Primula varieties.

Is struck by the amazing variations of the hardy Primula varieties.

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

Gives up his wish to keep secret the engagement of his daughter to Horace Darwin.

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.

Has Torbitt any further results? THF has forgotten what he had proposed to do.

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

Concerning the settlement for Horace Darwin and Ida.

Will give CD’s potato papers to Lord Sandon.

Has written to Torbitt.

Received enclosed report from Torbitt on potato experiments.

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

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].