Summary

Rejoices at THF’s consenting to the marriage of his daughter Ida and Horace Darwin, although the match is a poor one for Ida "in a worldly point of view". [See 12253.]

Summary

Forwards newspaper reports by growers of Torbitt’s potatoes. Torbitt is in much distress and CD fears all his work will be thrown away unless he is aided.

Summary

Discusses financial and other arrangements for marriage of Horace Darwin and Ida Farrer. Mentions anticipated inheritance of children.

Summary

Has written to Torbitt.

Summary

Received enclosed report from Torbitt on potato experiments.

Summary

Torbitt too poor to go on with [potato] experiments. If anything is to be done it must be by Government.

Summary

[Letter written as a postscript to 11406.] CD has reread his letter of 7 Mar 1878 about the value of James Torbitt’s work on the potato disease and has nothing to withdraw. Emphasises Torbitt’s need for immediate financial help.

Summary

Describes subscription for Torbitt [to continue potato experiments]. Would dislike writing to any paper, but Hensleigh [Wedgwood] and Erasmus [Darwin] advise CD to write to the Times.

Summary

Thanks THF for his contribution; now has £170 to permit Torbitt to carry on his experiments. Describes the scale of the experiments and his belief in their value.

Summary

Sends some questions raised by THF’s notes on earthworms at Abinger; he plans to use them in his book.

Summary

Questions the exact location of rooms and trenches at Abinger excavation [for Earthworms].

Summary

Thanks THF for notes on Abinger excavation. Asks for more castings.

Summary

THF’s copybook has cleared up all points. The castings are invaluable. Encloses further queries [missing].

Summary

Is worried about brick particles in worm-castings. Asks THF for castings from a site where possible error would be avoided.

Summary

Has started experiment to see whether particles of stone become rounded in the gizzards of worms.

Summary

Statement of money transactions with James Torbitt and record of year’s success enclosed. Torbitt desires him to return £90. He is doubtful of being able to continue this spring.

Summary

Asks THF to obtain sample of chalk immediately below vegetable mould at Abinger.

Summary

More on W. Graham’s book, The creed of science. Chance and design. Happiness.

E. A. Darwin’s death [26 Aug 1881].

Summary

Requests that THF forward an enclosure if he thinks it proper. James Torbitt’s blunder in using the pollen of a diseased variety accounts for the bad varieties raised last year.

Summary

Thanks THF for correcting the error in Orchids.

Asks him to find out what insects visit the fly orchid and for what purpose.