To R. F. Cooke   5 October 1881

My dear Sir

I am glad that the Book will soon be published, and I am very much obliged to you for sending me the copies ready to be addressed abroad.¹

I know of only one copy, either in proofs or clean sheets, which has been sent out, viz. one to Mr. Romanes, who was writing on an allied subject and wished much to see a copy.² He often writes Reviews for Nature, but I should not have supposed that he would have written one on Worms. He probably knew no more than I did that it was incorrect to publish a Review prematurely. If he had asked me or mentioned his intention, which he has not done, I should probably have consented without a moment’s thought. I wish that I had known enough and I would have cautioned Mr. Romanes; but as I have said, it never occurred to me that he would review the book; and it is merely a conjecture at present.³ You will find (I believe) in my list of presentation copies “Prof. Asa Gray, Kew”; but I believe he has returned to America so please send me his copy here to Down.⁴

I fear that the book will not excite much attention; so do not be disappointed if the sale is small.

With many thanks for all your kindnesses. | Yours sincerely | Ch. Darwin