To Smith, Elder & Co.   [14 January 1843]

Dear SIr

Will you be so good as to send me in your account.— You will have to allow me for the Woodcuts, which I paid myself.—

M^r Bells most unfortunate & long illness has delayed the last number of Reptiles—¹ Just before he was taken ill, I saw most of the M.S. ready.—

When you next see M^r. Hinds will you be so good as to inform him of this delay, as he wished to know, when next number w^d appear.—

I am very glad M^r. Hinds is going to publish with you.—²

Yours very faithfully | C. Darwin

P.S. I sh^d like to know amount of sale of the Coral Volume