Asks whether JM is interested in publishing A. E. Brehm, Illustrirtes Thierleben [4 vols. (1864–7)], which has had immense sale on the continent.

Is making good progress with proofs [of Variation].

Sends the four volumes [of Brehm’s Thierleben] for Murray’s consideration.

Thanks for "pleasant remittance" of £250 for 4th edition of Origin.

Glad to see that Orchids sells a little.

Hopes Variation will be more successful.

Instructions for the index to Variation

An absurd error ("Election" for "Selection") in the advertisement of Variation. Dallas is the best man for index.

Dallas’ index [for Variation] well done but rather too full.

A hybrid from an ass and a bull is utterly incredible.

Introduces Clair Grece who wishes to translate a work on English grammar from the German.

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.

Asks JM to grant permission for a French translation of his "Naturalist’s voyage" [Journal of researches].

Suggests best form of lettering for spine of Müller’s Facts and arguments for Darwin.

Thanks JM for Quarterly Review. A. R. Wallace’s article inimitably good – and a triumph that it appears where it will make B[ishop] of O[xford] and Owen gnash their teeth.

Delighted at the sale of F. Müller’s book.

Thinks he has brought Origin up to "present standard of science" [5th ed. (June 1869)].

Slow progress on Descent.

His horse rolled over him, but he is recovering rapidly.