From:
James Torbitt
To:
Charles Robert Darwin
Date:
[1879?]
Source of text:
DAR 178: 151
Summary:
Has found no [potato] variety whose foliage can resist the parasite, except when grown under glass.
Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project
Has found no [potato] variety whose foliage can resist the parasite, except when grown under glass.
Has had an account of his experiments published. Sends CD some specimens of seedlings and tubers.
Describes one of his varieties of potato in its third and fourth years. [CD notes his observations on this variety grown at Down, July 1879.]
Encourages JT’s experiments. His case of flowering of black potatoes is curious. CD surprised that they are odoriferous and visited by bees. This letter was thought to be to David Moore, because it was in the private collection of a descendant, but is extremely close to a draft to JT on the letter from JT, 30 April 1879 (DCP-LETT-12020). It is not known how it passed from JT to David Moore.
Illness of his wife.
Potato crossing experiments; believes he has increased yield considerably.
Has seen newspaper accounts of JT’s potato experiments. T. H. Farrer wants to know whether JT has published any account of them, and how much assistance he needs.
Success of his experiments; report on recent work.
Wrote to T. H. Farrer about JT’s potato experiments. Would be calamity if JT were prevented from trying successful fungus-proof variety for a few more years.
Encloses latest report on his new potatoes. Believes the plants should be grown from seed every fourth year to preserve yield and disease-resistance.
Describes problems of raising money [for potato experiments]. "A Government official in another office remarked to me that it was very difficult for Ministers to decide what to do in such cases as they must be prepared for mere cavillers in the H[ouse] of Commons."
Encloses a report on JT’s potato varieties by William Meredith, one of the many individuals in the country who are growing them.
Intends to get his ideas on the "wearing out" of varieties printed.
This year’s crosses were failures.
Reports that Phylloxera-resistant vines have been found in an infected region of Portugal.
Glad to hear about vines.
Hopes JT will be able to continue work without Government aid. "It is enough to sicken one to see how politicians waste their time squabbling and neglect doing any good."
It might be possible to borrow £500 [for potato experiments]. Variety of "The Champion" spreading over the Kingdom. Champion lately less able to produce.
Potatoes will be lost unless JT has immediate authority to proceed.
Going to London today to speak to T. H. Farrer about funds for potato breeding experiments. "I have told Farrer I would subscribe £50."
Wonders whether Lord Derby would advance him the money to continue his work.
Is prepared to continue his work, if financial help is forthcoming.
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.