D. Appleton has been sent 3000 sets of plates [for Expression]. Hopes to publish [Expression] on 12 Nov.

Discusses printing of Expression.

Presentation copies [of Expression] will be ready in a week. Has ordered only 250 copies to have cut edges because trade prefers uncut pages.

Discusses presentation copies of Expression.

Comments on discussions with C. Reinwald concerning French edition of Expression.

Murray’s will allow CD 18 copies [of Expression].

All foreign publishers, except Dutch, have paid for the plates.

Does not understand Reinwald [French publisher of Expression], who apparently intends an edition of only 500 copies. Sends first copy to CD.

Discusses distribution of presentation copies of Expression. Sends instructions for mailing his copies. Discusses negotiations with C. Reinwald concerning French edition. Suggests journals to receive review copies.

Discusses production of plates [for Expression].

Quandary caused by Heliotype Company’s failure to deliver enough plates for Expression because of a strike. Murray’s now has 7000 books and only 3000 sets of plates.

Murray’s must publish [Expression] tomorrow with only 4000 copies, because plates for 3000 additional copies have not yet been delivered. The trade and public will be dissatisfied. It may be advisable to get police to defend the house.

First edition of Expression nearly exhausted. Asks CD to send corrections to the printer for another issue, Murray thinks, of 2000.

Comments on additional printing of Expression. Complains about poor quality of plates.

Popular Edition [6th] of Origin has sold out 3000 copies. Asks CD whether he has found any errors that should be corrected.

Asks CD’s help in finding original woodcuts for "Voyage of a naturalist" [Journal of researches] for Reinwald.

Discusses illustrations for 2d edition of Descent.

"My nephew [Henry Parker] got into the Athenaeum with splendid success."

Is glad to have Descent cheaper and sold more largely, but would be sorry to see it printed like the Origin. "The closeness of the lines is the great fault." Fears book might be very thick. "I hear scores of people complaining of the heavy and thick books which you publish."

In doubt about size of printing of the 2d edition of Descent. Profit on 2000 at 12s would be only £250.

Hopes a printing of 2000 copies [of Descent, 2d ed.] will be safe. Regrets price must be 12s. He is sure it is much improved.

New edition of Descent just off the press. Murray feels price must be 9s instead of 12s, if it is to sell. This will reduce profit to almost nil.