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.
Wonders whether Lord Derby would advance him the money to continue his work.
Is prepared to continue his work, if financial help is forthcoming.
Hopes to finish his report tomorrow; last year’s crosses were failures.
On the disease-resisting qualities and yield of certain potatoes.
Is keeping down his expenditure; has some landowners growing potatoes for him.
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.
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.
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".
Forster cannot help at present. Is sending copies of an enclosure [missing] to Downing Street.
Will CD hold the £90 for JT? Asks him to read enclosed printed letter to W. E. Gladstone which he hopes will attract attention.
Report on the progress of his experiments with potatoes; some varieties spoilt by an apparently hereditary disease.
Sends CD some samples of recent produce. Is "pretty well disgusted by the apathy and stupidity" he has encountered whilst trying to arouse interest and support for his work.
Receipt, in CD’s hand, signed by JT, acknowledging subscriptions.
