JVC questions accuracy of Hensleigh Wedgwood’s statement that the word for a toad in all European languages expresses the habit of swelling [see Expression, p. 104]. Has changed "all" to "some".
Reports on very successful sale of Expression in England. Suggests German publisher keep the type set up in case more than the expected 3000 copies are needed.
Has begun work on some old botanical observations [of Drosera for Insectivorous plants].
Asks whether CD has any changes to make in a new German edition of Variation, which is to be published next year.
Has not strength nor time to alter and improve Variation.
First English edition of Expression now at 9000 copies.
On a correction JVC thinks should be made in Variation on vertebrae of ducks.
Acknowledges correction in text of Variation . "You are a most conscientious editor & are as careful as I am apt to be careless."
A new [German] edition of Expression is to be done. Has CD anything to add or alter?
JVC cites an article on cessation of breathing during mental concentration that supports Gratiolet as quoted in Expression, p. 179.
Has no corrections for second German edition [of Expression]. Plans to bring out an improved edition in a year or two.
Thanks for reference JVC sent.
Publisher [Schweizerbart] has seen CD’s new book advertised [Cross and self-fertilisation] and wishes to publish a German translation of it.
John Murray has announced his next book [Cross and self-fertilisation] without CD’s knowledge. It is only half-written. JVC will hear when it is published and will decide whether it is worth translating. It will be dry, but, CD believes, of value.
Has read an account of JVC’s Scottish lectures.
Invites JVC to Down.
JVC’s travel plans in England. Hopes to visit CD.
Regrets he cannot receive JVC at Down on Monday as he would then be too unwell to travel on Tuesday, when he must leave for a visit [to Abinger Hall, according to the Journal].
Has been working hard on Drosera and Dionaea. His next book will be on these plants and not, as he had intended, "On evil effects of Inter breeding".
Informs JVC that he is beginning a second, corrected edition of Descent, in case a new edition is wanted in Germany.
A new German edition of Descent is planned. Would like to work on proofs before leaving for lectures at Edinburgh.
Is glad to hear of new German edition of Descent, but owing to his extensive revisions, corrected sheets will not be ready for about three months.
Is working on a new edition of Coral reefs, which he thinks would sell in Germany.
Would like to hear "out of curiosity & vanity" how many copies of his books have been sold in Germany.
Looks forward to a visit from JVC and family in August.
Sheets of vol. 1 of Descent [2d ed.] are going to printer;
new edition of Coral reefs is half printed.
Proposal to collect all of CD’s works in a German edition. Asks CD’s opinion and suggests an outline of volumes.
Lists German sales of various volumes.
Would be glad to hear of a collected edition of his works [in Germany], but has no opinion on how it would sell. Has been surprised to learn that in England some think uniform collected works sell best. Tells JVC his publication plans and other details to guide him on extent of a "collected works".
Descent corrections have been laborious and troublesome.
Hopes to visit CD during a stay in London.
Sends Edinburgh address so he may be sent sheets of Descent [2d English, for 3d German ed.].
Has a large class for his lectures.