My dear Farrer.

I should be very much obliged if you would look over the enclosed papers.— These consist of a statement of the money transactions with M^r. Torbitt, & a Report of this years success, which seems fairly favourable.¹

On receiving the report I wrote to M^r Torbitt asking whether he intended to draw all or part of the £90 which I held for him, as his answer (Dec 17) of which I send all the important parts copied, was not precise, I wrote again, & you will see by the copy of his answer. (Dec 28) that he desires me to return the £90 with sincere thanks to the subscribers—² This seems to me to be a pity, for you will observe in his letters that he speaks doubtfully about being able to continue without aid his experiments on a large scale this coming Spring; & on the principle of selection every successive generation increases greatly in value.— I do not intend myself to give more than the £150 already given; but if I may make a suggestion, I would ask to be permitted to keep half the £90 until the Spring, & allow M^r Torbitt to draw on it or not as he may find necessary; & if this amount is not drawn, then to return it to the subscribers—³

I think that M^r. Torbitt has shewn that he may be trusted.— Now will you be so kind (to save me much copying) as to forward all these papers including this note, to M^r Caird & would you afterwards consult with him—⁴ Whatever you & he may decide shall be immediately followed.

Believe me, my dear Farrer. | Yours very sincerely. | Charles Darwin.