CD exasperated by Dallas’ delay in finishing index [for Variation]. "I am prepared to throw the Index overboard."

Thinks JM should reconsider publishing a translation of Brehm’s Thierleben. It is excellent and would "sell largely".

Heartily glad for JM’s sake at sale [of Variation]. Thinks JM right to publish a smaller second edition, for "the public will soon find out that it is dull" – though scientifically valuable. The index is excellent. CD is "always greedy" for presentation copies.

Thanks JM for presentation copies [of Variation]. Sends directions and list.

Has been told positively that hostile review in Athenæum was by Berthold Seemann, to whom he once refused a testimonial.

On the whole, reviews have been very good.

Payment of 400 guineas [Variation royalties] delights CD.

Acknowledges receipt of bill for £420.

Will try to attend Athenaeum meeting to help elect Clowes’s son.

American publishers will not wait for woodcuts, so asks Murray to have a copy of the reprint sent to Asa Gray. Will call soon to talk about Für Darwin and to hear about sale of latest edition of Origin

Asks JM to send Variation to G. Boccardo in Italy.

Sends title (suggested by Lyell) for translation of Fritz Müller’s Für Darwin (which Dallas is translating). CD does not wish to go to great expense in advertising it.

About the advertising and title of a book [the translation of Fritz Müller’s Für Darwin, see 6114].

Asks JM to consider publishing a MS on John Wesley by CD’s niece, Frances Julia Wedgwood [John Wesley and the evangelical reaction of the eighteenth century (1870)].

Has received clean sheets for Italian translation [of Variation?].

B. D. Walsh has not received his copy of Variation. Several other foreign correspondents have similar complaints.