From James Caird   25 March 1880

My dear Sir

I am extremely obliged to you for sending me such full particulars of M^r. Torbitts experiments.¹ I hope soon to be able to explain to the several gentlemen interested all that you have so kindly communicated. The scale on which the experiment is carried on is much larger than I imagined—and one can more easily understand the need of pecuniary help. As to the £60– sent by me. (which you may count as £50–from the Messrs Morrison & £10– from me— Sir Julian Goldsmid not having paid his—we shall keep him in reserve for a future application if need be:) pray retain, till you think proper to make use of it for the object in view. You need not send any other receipt than the mention you make of it in your letter.²

If M^r. Torbitt suceeds in getting a plant more than commonly capable of resisting the fungus we shall be all well repaid—& my friends & myself are perfectly satisfied to follow your lead in the matter.

M^r. Mulholland, M.P., a friend of mine, who lives near Belfast, has kindly undertaken as soon as his election is over, to visit M^r. Torbitts experimental fields, and report the result.³ This I shall communicate to you.

I notice that M^r. Torbitt promises that his vigorous potatoes will enable the British farmers to compete sucessfully with America in all agricultural live stock! If he can give us a potato that will supply a sound vegetable for our people we shall be quite content.⁴

Believe me Dear Sir | Very sincerely yours | James Caird

Charles Darwin Esq