Summary

Concerns [James] Torbitt’s potato plants and the question of their trial by the Experimental Committee of the Royal Agricultural Society and a request to the Government for the needed expense. THF and CD to set a date for consultation with the botanist [William] Carruthers.

Summary

Explains why he does not approve of an engagement between his daughter, Emma Cecilia (Ida) Farrer and Horace Darwin.

Summary

Encloses £60 collected to assist Torbitt’s experiments.

Summary

JC agrees with THF that CD should keep the money to disburse when proper for [James] Torbitt’s cause.

Summary

Agricultural Society will not do potato experiments. Torbitt telegraphs that seeds to be sown tomorrow. Memorial with a few signatures might get grant from Government. Hooker believes plan the right one.

Summary

Forwards letter from James Caird concerning funds for potato experiments. CD will correct his letter to THF [11389] and then forward it to Hooker for his opinion.

Summary

Summary

If THF and James Caird [Enclosure Commissioner] approve of enclosed letter, CD will send it to Hooker.

Summary

Believes letter from CD endorsed by JDH will virtually guarantee Government or private support for Torbitt’s experiments. Queries experimental procedure.

Summary

Caird agrees that there will be no difficulty in getting finances.

Summary

Has returned letter to Caird and dispatched corrected letter to Hooker [11406] [concerning potato experiments].

Summary

Hooker approves of Torbitt’s plan [concerning potato experiments]. Torbitt, wine and spirit merchant in Belfast, highly respectable.

Summary

What does Torbitt propose to do with CD’s £100; does he want another £100 now or soon?

Summary

James Caird does not think Torbitt’s success justifies application to Government. Torbitt has four acres planted with seedlings. Has sent back CD’s £100. Shall CD insist that he keep it?

Summary

Suggests Torbitt proceed with his work for this year; if he wishes to continue next year THF will try to arrange Government support.

Summary

Thanks THF and James Caird for their assistance. Will send back the £100 to Torbitt.

Summary

Sends Ledum, the nectar of which catches many insects.

Describes his Primula varieties.

Summary

Has received Ledum with its captured flies.

"At present I care for nothing in this wide world except the biology of seedling plants."

Summary

Doubts Ledum warrants investigation. Glands probably serve only to protect the flowers against crawling insects, which would not cross-fertilise them.

Summary

Is struck by the amazing variations of the hardy Primula varieties.