Dear M^r. Darwin

I am much obliged by the opportunity of perusing M^r. Torbitts Papers, which I now return.¹

For the present I think the farther conduct of the experiments should be left with him, and if needful I shall be happy to apply to friends for a moderate contribution towards his expenses. But as yet his success has not been such as would in my view warrant an application for government aid.

I need hardly say that, personally, I am glad to give any aid in my power to the prosecution of experiments which you and Sir J. Hooker approve,² and M^r. Torbitt owes you a deep debt of thanks for the help you have given him.³

Believe me | Very faithfully yours | James Caird

Charles Darwin Esq F.R.S.