Dear Sir.

Confirming my telegram of today—“No money wanted for past labours, Grant in aid requisite if experiments are to be continued this season”. I beg leave to acknowledge receipt of your valued letter of 26^th. inst and to tender my best thanks for liberty to publish your opinion¹

I have sent copies of my letter to M^r. Farrer and Sir. J. Hooker marked as directed—²

I am prepared to continue the experiments if aided no matter how slightly— Anything from a hundred pounds up would do.³ I was prepared to spend £500 a year myself on the subject but the present state of trade disables me, In fact I have had to ask for some assistance from my friends which has been freely accorded, but on this condition that I spend no more money on the potato. I have been thinking of distributing the new varieties through Carter⁴ or others but they weigh only a ton or two as yet, and it would only be a drop of water to the ocean.

My clear belief is that each particular cross-fertilized seed which I possess should be utilized this Spring.— Should be grown each seed in a pot by itself, and I think they would repay the cost ten thousand fold— but in any case I shall only be too happy to be governed by your advice in every way—

My motives in prosecuting the subject seem to me to have been mixed partly selfish partly patriotic—

I am very sorry indeed to learn that you are so unwell and very gratified by your suggested offer of private assistance—⁵

Believe me dear Sir. | With the greatest respect. | Very faithfully yours. | James Torbitt.