To T. H. Farrer   14 February 1880

My dear Farrer.

If you are not utterly weary of the subject will you read this letter—¹ It seems that M^r T is too poor to go on without aid, and it will be a grievous shame, in my opinion, if he is not aided & there has been so much delay on the part of Lord Sandon, that there is now but little time to spare—² There is, I suppose, no hope, only political squabbles are cared for. would you be so kind as to let me hear as soon as you feel convinced that Government will give no aid that I may inform M^r Torbitt that he must give up his experiments & dispose of his stock—

Ever yours sincerely | Ch. Darwin.

P.S. I would subscribe £50 but I have not strength or time to go begging for the remainder; and it is too horrid work for anyone whatever to undertake—

Therefore if anything is to be done it must I think, be done by Government—though whether the G. can or will do such a thing is quite beyond my knowledge—