My dear D^r. Frankland

Very many thanks for your invaluable assistance to us. I am sure that I do not underrate the trouble which the analysis must have cost, for I only marvel how such small quantities of potash & soda can be made out.² I am writing this away from home, but shall return in a few days, & then my son & self will consult what to do.—³ I am disappointed that the natural soil is richer than the burnt soil.

From what you say I think we shall have to make some preliminary trials with plants & see if they will grow in the burnt soil, taking care that no additional potash is given them. We will try whether will grow in “silver sand” (sold for cleaning harness) which looks like pure silica.—⁴ I fear it w^d. be impossible to get chemically prepared soil in sufficient quantity, as we sh^d require $\frac{1}{2}$ or $\frac{1}{3}$ of a wheel-barrow full.— We will find out from D^r Gilbert whether he w^d. consider our burnt soil as agriculturally very poor.—⁵

Yours very gratefully | Ch. Darwin