To Smith, Elder & Co.   7 March 1877

Dear Sir

Mons: Baillière wishes to bring out a French translation of my ‘Coral Reefs’; & I should be very glad for him to do so.¹ I hope that you will be so good as to aid me with respect to the wood cuts & maps. In this case will you inform me what would be the cost of stereotypes of the wood cuts, & of copies of the three plates. But of the map at least, it would be much the best plan, I should think, if you would supply them with say 500 copies all ready coloured.

Would you be so good as to let me have an estimate; as no doubt it will largely depend on the cost whether M. Baillière will continue to wish to bring out a French edit. I hope therefore you will not charge much more than the cost price.

I am sorry to give you so much trouble, & remain yours faithfully | Ch. Darwin

PS. It has just occurred to me that possibly our maps will not serve on account of the english names. When ever you answer this letter will you be so good as to send me a perfect copy in sheets that it may be transmitted to M. Baillière & when he hears the cost of copies he will decide whether to have fresh engravings made²