Thanks RC for telling him about sale of 600 copies [of Movement in plants]. He had expected less, so loss will not be as heavy as he feared. Asks whether he should not have 250 more copies printed and what it would cost to have the type kept up.

Instructions for presentation copies.

The index is the worst ever published.

Likes appearance [of Movement in plants].

The Times review should sell a few more copies.

Thanks Murray for present of volumes by Charles St John [A tour in Sutherlandshire, 2 vols. (1849?)].

Asks for quick decision on publication [of Earthworms]. Does not care whether it is published on commission or on usual terms, but wants it published in a hurry. Cannot guess at sales.

Agrees that new book [Earthworms] be published on old terms. Hopes it will not fail.

CD is curious to read an essay on evolution by a Hindu, which is being sent to Murray from India.

CD thought it was understood that he wanted to publish [Earthworms] at once, but as Murray "has the risk" CD must yield, though it destroys all his satisfaction in the book to have the publication hanging over him.

CD obliged to Murray for yielding to his wish for prompt publication [of Earthworms] but now uneasy about the risk. If Murray feels it will sell badly at this season he is unwilling to bear the responsibility. Murray should decide as he sees fit. CD is no longer so sulky as when he last wrote.

Assumes Murray will give permission for French translation of Orchids; asks that stereotypes of woodcuts be supplied at cost, since if expensive the work will not appear.

More discussion of the illustrations for Expression.

A Swedish naturalist [G. Lindström] has asked to translate the Journal of researches.

Has completed corrections for Origin [6th ed.], but has received no proofs. Hopes it will be published without delay.

Has been reflecting on Murray’s suggestion to stereotype the Origin. Sees advantage in that it will make him stop additions and changes in style. Inquires whether each separate sheet is stereotyped and can be altered.

Asks whether any copies of C. Wright’s pamphlet have been sold.

Agrees to stereotyping Origin [6th ed.].

Asks that 500 or 1000 more copies of Descent be printed. Will make no corrections except the number of thousands on title page. Would like to revise [Descent] if it goes on selling.

Has decided that 1000 copies of Descent should be printed. Will make no alterations. "If it goes on selling it will shew that it is worth a thorough revision."

The U. S. sale of Descent (10000 copies) is larger than in England.

Queries and suggestions for arrangements about foreign editions of Expression.

CD must see proofs for lettering on the plates [for Expression] to ensure that it matches the text.

Asks whether he can tell Appleton that Murray will supply clichés and stereotypes [for Expression] at only a small profit. Will make same offer to other foreign editors. Prefers that W. S. Dallas prepare the index.

On arrangements for paying for stereotyped plates for Expression. D. Appleton will be told not to publish "an hour before" Murray.

CD suggests fair way for the Heliotype Company to charge for new negatives and copies of plates.

Is greatly relieved to hear that the estimate [of the Heliotype Company] was a mistake. Sends lettered copies of seven plates for Expression, and discusses payment to be made by foreign editors for copies of the plates.

Arrangements for the plates for Expression and charges to be made for them to foreign editors.

Will inform all foreign publishers that John Murray will supply 1000 copies of heliotype plates [for Expression] for £75. CD would not have used so many photos had he foreseen the cost, but woodcuts would not have done.

CD has given translation right [for Expression] to Dutch publisher Joh. Ijkema.

Arrangements for foreign editions [of Expression]. Delay by Heliotype Company is provoking.