My dear Farrer.

I delayed answering your note of the 20^th.² until I could hear from M^r. Torbitt— I now enclose a fair copy of his answer—³ I have also received a note from M^r Caird, saying that he does not think M^r. Torbitt’s success sufficient to justify an application to Government—⁴ It would be absurd in me to doubt his judgment, but if M^r. Torbitt’s success was pretty well assured, he would require no aid, as his plants could be sold.— Anyhow I can assure you that I should never have thought of applying to you to aid me in getting up a subscription for M^r. Torbitt; I did so solely because it seemed to me possible that Government would give him some support, & that it would be a great misfortune if all the seeds were lost, By the way I have received two other testimonials to his highly respectable character.⁵ In a separate note he tells me that 4 acres are planted with the old seedlings & he means to raise 5000 new varieties from the seed of 1877; & will cross fertilise some of their flowers this coming summer—⁶

Returning to the enclosed note, you will see that he has sent me back my £100;⁷ & I am perplexed what to do— I do not want to waste money—yet I do not like taking back a portion of my cheque. & M^r Torbitt doesn’t wish perhaps to depend solely on me— Still more do I dislike giving you & M^r Caird trouble about so small an affair— M^r Torbitt speaks, as if he considered the whole sum whether £100 or £200, as a loan.— With more money he would no doubt raise many more than 5000 seedlings— You are accustomed to affairs of all kinds which is very far from my case—& can you give me any advice? Shall I insist on his keeping my £100; & if any more money can easily be obtained give it him now, or keep it for next year—

Forgive me for troubling you with this long letter. | Believe me | Yours very sincerely. | Ch. Darwin.