From Lord Ducie [1856]

Dear Mr Henslow,

On my return to Tortworth this week, I will put the sweepstakes affair in hand, and send the produce as required to the person specified. I have been here fishing for three weeks and know nothing of the state of the allotment crops in my neighbourhood. Here in Connemara cultivation appears to have found its very lowest level. The soil is not propitious, the climate detestable — to all but fishermen, fog, mist, rain and wind prevent any cereal from ripening thoroughly. The rye is yet green. Potatoes flourish, on the bogs, and grow large as indeed they have need to do, when the sole diet consists of potatoes, and where a working man is considered stunted if he does not eat 14. ^lb of them per diem. Much however might be done by draining, and other judicious use of capital, an article which has not yet reached this county

Believe me | yours very truly | Ducie