Summary

Has raised about 500 varieties out of the crop of the second generation comprising about 1500 varieties. Growers report immense yield and no disease. Doubts if variety free of disease will live for ever. New varieties must be continually coming into existence.

Summary

Rejoices at good news. Will let T. H. Farrer hear the result. Cannot see why some of new varieties should not endure fungus-proof for years.

Summary

"Your secret shall be inviolable, and to make sure in case of my illness or death I have now burnt your letter."

Wishes JT success in commercial venture.

Summary

Thinks his private notes failed to convey his ideas. JT wanted CD "to look at the product and express an opinion as to its value".

Summary

Thanks for report [on potato experiments].

Still has subscription money for JT’s experiments. How much does he need?

Summary

Forster cannot help at present. Is sending copies of an enclosure [missing] to Downing Street.

Summary

Does JT require part or all of £90 that CD holds from subscribers for his experiments?

Summary

Will CD hold the £90 for JT? Asks him to read enclosed printed letter to W. E. Gladstone which he hopes will attract attention.

Summary

Suggests JT make public his letter to W. E. Gladstone [on results of potato experiments]; thinks post office would object to JT’s plan of distribution.

Summary

T. H. Farrer and James Caird express great interest in JT’s report. Have instructed CD to hold £90 for use by JT in spring. Caird asks that potatoes be sent to his gardener for trials.

Summary

Report on the progress of his experiments with potatoes; some varieties spoilt by an apparently hereditary disease.

Summary

Sends CD some samples of recent produce. Is "pretty well disgusted by the apathy and stupidity" he has encountered whilst trying to arouse interest and support for his work.

Summary

Obliged for potatoes. Has instructed that they be planted and labelled.

Summary

Sends £90 [for experiments on potatoes]. Sorry JT cannot get his varieties well enough known to ensure large sale.

Summary

Receipt, in CD’s hand, signed by JT, acknowledging subscriptions.

Summary

CD’s gardener reports that potatoes were not attacked by disease, but yield was not good. Noble of JT to plan the return of subscriptions if trade continues to improve.