To J. de C. Sowerby   23 September [1850]

My dear Sir

I know there can be no chance of the enclosed figure being introduced on the Plate, & therefore will you be so good as to do it on wood:¹ seeing the way they now shade Birds &c on wood, I can see no reason why the enclosed may not be done very well.— I had better see it before it is cut.—

I hope soon to hear of your Plates. Please to observe that I shall want 2 proofs of each.—

As soon as you can say positively, that I shall find 2 proofs at your house, I will come up (or send for them the evening before) & take drawings &c all to my Brother’s House & then study them.—

I sh^d like to know as many days beforehand, as you can speak quite positively.—

Upon reflexion you need not send me the block with the enclosed drawing on it, for I can examine it, when I come up to see Proof-Plate sheets, & there will be time enough to have it cut afterwards.

Dear Sir | Your’s very faithfully | C. Darwin

I shall be anxious to hear how you managed to get in the last lot, & how many of the old drawings you were compelled to leave out.— I have just had a lot from Germany,² but thank Heaven I knew all except enclosed which comes uncommonly close to P. validus of Steenstrup.—³