Sends CD cheque for £250, two-thirds of the profits on the sale of 700 copies of Origin, 4th ed.

Hopes he has found a suitable indexer for Variation.

Has received a confusing set of engravings, with both missing and superfluous illustrations [for Polish translation of Descent].

Encloses a letter to be forwarded to CD [see 10212].

Report on sales of Origin, Insectivorous plants, and Climbing plants.

Sends cheques in payment on three of CD’s books.

Proposes to print 500 copies of Insectivorous plants before distributing the type.

JM has printed 16250 copies of Origin since 1859.

At last, Expression is beginning to sell again.

Cooke has not yet decided on number of Variation [2d ed.] to print.

Describes case of two varieties of Russian wheat, the kubanka (or White Turkish) and the saxonka, which grow side by side with no intermediate varieties. As kubanka gradually yields place to saxonka, thinks an unusual tendency to jumping variation [saltation] operates; suggests CD urge some young botanist to investigate [see ML 2: 419–22].

Sends CD his share of profits on Descent and Forms of flowers.

Wants to reprint Cross and self-fertilisation because supply of copies is entirely exhausted.

Congratulates CD on his Cambridge honour [LL.D.].

Answers CD’s query about payment made to him [for Descent and Forms of flowers] and explains the basis on which it was made. Because of CD’s wish to be paid before editions are sold off, profits must be estimated. If he were willing to accept annual statements of sales, payments based on them, and final accounting when all were sold, there would be no uncertainty. This is JM’s usual practice.

Encloses a cheque for £11.19.9. Will transmit £7.9.4 to Fritz Müller. Thanks for account of the sale of his books, which appears to be in a "lamentable state".

Is well disposed toward publishing Krause’s essay on Dr Erasmus Darwin, particularly if CD undertakes to fill up its gaps. He thinks ED’s reputation is increasing.

Likes CD’s memoir of his grandfather and offers to publish 1000 copies at his own risk, giving half the profits to CD.

Asks JM to forward letter [1525] to Francis Galton "the author of the very interesting volume" Murray recently published.

Discusses presentation copies [of the Origin].

Offers to publish Orchids, giving CD one-half of the profits of each edition.

Will be proud to publish CD’s new work on domestic animals [Variation]. Will announce it as the complement of the Origin. Advises on woodcuts; does not wish to limit number; agrees to CD’s suggestions for artists.

Discusses proposed publication of Variation.

Account of Orchids.

Informs CD third edition of Origin is exhausted. Proposes a new edition. Has CD any changes? Since demand is slowing up, proposes printing only 1250 copies and deferring payment of CD’s share until sales have repaid manufacturing costs.