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.
Sends funds for potato experiments. Asks for information on progress.
Queries how much land has been used to cultivate potato varieties, and how many seedlings have been raised in any one year.
Asks about possible erratum in JT’s account of experiments.
Hopes to finish his report tomorrow; last year’s crosses were failures.
Asks for additional information about JT’s potato experiments.
On the disease-resisting qualities and yield of certain potatoes.
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.
"[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.
Is keeping down his expenditure; has some landowners growing potatoes for him.
Cannot offer any assistance in urging Government to aid JT’s experiments. Thinks best chance through [William Edward?] Forster. William Carruthers reported to Royal Agricultural Society that JT’s attempt was hopeless.
Has planted six, as opposed to eleven acres last year, to keep within expenditure. Must pollen be used immediately? Fourteen landowners are growing potatoes for JT.
Sets out specific propositions concerning his potato varieties, which he will make to the Government, if he is given CD’s and T. H. Farrer’s support.
JT attempting to get Government backing for his experiments; wishes to quote from CD’s letter in support of his work.
Offers advice concerning letter to [William Edward?] Forster requesting Government aid [for potato experiments].
Has raised about 500 varieties out of the crop of the second generation comprising about 1500 varieties. Growers report immense yield and no disease. Doubts if variety free of disease will live for ever. New varieties must be continually coming into existence.
Rejoices at good news. Will let T. H. Farrer hear the result. Cannot see why some of new varieties should not endure fungus-proof for years.
"Your secret shall be inviolable, and to make sure in case of my illness or death I have now burnt your letter."
Wishes JT success in commercial venture.
Thinks his private notes failed to convey his ideas. JT wanted CD "to look at the product and express an opinion as to its value".