Mr.Caird has seen several persons on the subject, especially Mr.Carruthers, Botanist to the Society.

He (Mr.Carruthers) thinks the attempt hopeless, but advances in a long memorandum sent to Mr.Caird, reasons which I am convinced are not sound.

He specifies two points, however, which are well worthy of your consideration--namely, that a variety should be tested three years before its soundness can be trusted; and especially it should be grown under a damp climate.

Mr.
Carruthers' opinion on this head is valuable because he was employed by the Society in judging the varieties sent in for the prize offered a year or two ago.

If I had strength to get up a memorial to Government, I believe that I could succeed; for Sir J.Hooker writes that he believes you are on the right path; but I do not know to whom else to apply whose judgment would have weight with Government, and I really have not strength to discuss the matter and convert persons.
At Mr.Farrer's request, when we hoped the Agricultural Society might undertake it, I wrote to him a long letter giving him my opinion on the subject; and this letter Mr.Caird took with him yesterday, and will consider with Mr.Farrer whether any application can be made to Government.
I am, however, far from sanguine.