350 MISCELLANEOUS. [1878. 



Mr. Torbitt should be aided with some small grant so as to 

 continue the work himself. 



Judging from his reports, his efforts have already been 

 crowned in so short a time with more success than could 

 have been anticipated ; and I think you will agree with me, 

 that any one who raises a fungus-proof potato will be a public 

 benefactor of no common kind. 



My dear Farrer, yours sincerely, 



Charles Darwin. 



[After further consultation with Sir Thomas Farrer and 

 with Mr. Caird, my father became convinced that it was 

 hopeless to attempt to obtain Government aid. He wrote to 

 Mr. Torbitt to this effect, adding, " it would be less trouble to 

 get up a subscription from a few rich leading agriculturists 

 than from Government. This plan I think you cannot object 

 to, as you have asked nothing, and will have nothing whatever 

 to do with the subscription. In fact, the affair is, in my 

 opinion, a compliment to you." The idea thus broached was 

 carried out, and Mr. Torbitt was enabled to continue his work 

 by the aid of a sum to which Sir T. Farrer, Mr. Caird, my 

 father, and a few friends, subscribed. 



My father's sympathy and encouragement were highly 

 valued by Mr. Torbitt, who tells me that without them he 

 should long ago have given up his attempt. A few extracts 

 will illustrate his fellow-feeling with Mr. Torbitt's energy and 

 perseverance : — 



" I admire your indomitable spirit. If any one ever 

 deserved success, you do so, and I keep to my original 

 opinion that you have a very good chance of raising a fungus- 

 proof variety of the potato. 



"A pioneer in a new undertaking is sure to meet with 

 many disappointments, so I hope that you will keep up your 

 courage, though we have done so very little for you." 



