From Louis Rérolle   17 March 1869

Sir

Allow me to offer you many thanks, concerning the letter you wrote to Mr Faivre, in which you authorise the translation of your Orchis book.¹ I will be happy to present to the French naturalists your remarkable and interesting experiments.

The importance of this undertaking required on my part, a few day’s reflection, before coming to a decision. I pray you to excuse the delay of the present letter. I have made up my mind to publish the translation of your work, making all the rectifications you think fit. I have not yet taken any engagement with a publisher; but I will soon apply to one, at Paris.

As soon as the business is settled with him, I will receive with pleasure and gratitude your precious foot-notes; they will certainly add much value to the publication.² I will then inquire of your publisher the terms on which the stereotypes of the woodcuts can be supplied.

I have now translated the whole book, save only the twenty last pages; I shall have to review and copy it, but previously I will persue the practical study of the Orchid-flowers mentioned in your volume. Mr Faivre is so kind as to leave at my disposal the very rich collection of the botanical garden of Lyons;³ I will carefully examen under his direction every flower you have described, in order to exclude any chance of error. Though I cannot exactly know at what time the translation will be published, yet I hope it will appear at the end of the present year, or at least, in the course of the two first months of the following.

I thank you much, Sir, for your kindness in offering to send me your work on climbing plants; I have heard of it, and will read it with the greatest interest.

Allow me, Sir, to assure you of the deep respect with which I have the honour to be | Your very obedient servant | L. Rérolle

17 march 69.

4, place d’Ainay. Lyon.