Summary

T. H. Farrer has talked to James Caird. He believes Royal Agricultural Society will cultivate JT’s seeds. CD pledges £100 for JT’s own experiments.

Summary

No use in thinking about Royal Agricultural Society. William Carruthers, botanist of Society, thinks attempt hopeless. T. H. Farrer and James Caird are thinking of application to Government. Makes suggestions about experiments [on potatoes].

Summary

Problems of continuing with his crossing experiments; financial help from CD.

Summary

T. H. Farrer and James Caird think it would be less trouble to get subscription from rich agriculturists than from Government. CD thinks it utopian to hope to raise variety of potatoes from seed; must be propagated from tubers.

Summary

Talk of a subscription to help JT’s experiments. Progress of experiment; loss of fungus-resistance in varieties as they age.

Summary

Potato crossing experiments. Encloses printed copies of letters from people who have grown his potato seed.

Summary

Enclosure: printed copies of letters from people who have grown his potato seed (pages from Torbitt 1876).

Summary

Life history of potato varieties. Changes in fruit, flower, and seed production with increasing age of a variety.

Summary

Discusses sterility of potato flowers.

Summary

Asks how much aid JT requires [for potato experiments].

Summary

Sales of [potato] varieties have reduced amount of money needed [for experiments].

Summary

Thanks for CD’s criticism and advice. The difficult question of whether varieties "wear out".

Summary

Sends £100 to JT. T. H. Farrer and James Caird think they can get another £100 next year [for potato experiments].

Summary

Thanks for £100; will pay for planting this year’s varieties.

Summary

JT may publish enclosed [letter by CD?], but it is not worth publication.

Summary

Progress of experiments. Wants CD’s advice on best way to cross-fertilise his plants.

Summary

Discusses methods of fertilising potatoes.

Summary

Has forwarded what he believes to be a new species of Solanum.

Summary

Apologises for his error over the Solanum.

Thanks CD for his good wishes; JT believes he will increase yield and disease-resistance by his crossing and selection.

Summary

Forwards letter from Victor Kennedy reporting on the growth of JT’s potatoes in W. Ireland.