Asks JM not to send stereotypes [of Variation] to Schweizerbart until he has heard that Carus will translate it.

CD writes about stereotypes for German and Russian editions of Variation.

On cost of electrotypes from woodcuts for Variation and price to charge Schweizerbart.

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].

He is unacquainted with Brehm’s work [Thierleben]. Asks that a volume be sent so he can form an opinion on publishing it.

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

Sends CD cheque for £250, two-thirds of the profits on the sale of 700 copies of Origin, 4th ed.

Hopes he has found a suitable indexer for Variation.

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.

Schweizerbart anxious to get Variation sheets for German translation. Hopes he has found a good indexer in W. S. Dallas.

Instructions for the index to Variation

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

Sends Dallas’ specimen of indexing [for Variation].

Asks CD’s opinion of likelihood of a hybrid of ass and bull, reported in a MS of a journey to Asia Minor he is reading.

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".

CD’s anxiety about the index [of Variation] will be relieved somewhat when he learns it has at last been set up.

Advance sale of Variation has exhausted the 1500 copies printed. Murray sends note for £300 author’s payment. Wants to print 1250 more immediately.

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.

CD’s letter encourages Murray to proceed with a new edition of Variation; corrections will cost £176.

First notice has appeared in Pall Mall Gazette [7 (1868): 555].

Second issue [of Variation] is ready.

Murray thinks that the Athenæum review was written by J. E. Gray [see 5931].