To R. F. Cooke   15 August 1872

My dear Sir

I have rec^d the plates, & I believe they are all numbered right; but as I sent you plates properly numbered yesterday I have here no means of comparison.¹ Will you therefore be so kind as to compare the numbers carefully, & at once give the order for printing off.

As I wrote yesterday it seems to me quite fair that the charge of the preliminary processes &c, say 21 guineas, should be distributed over 5000 or 6000 copies; & the charge to foreigners made accordingly. I do not understand whether the Company will allow you some discount as commission for yr trouble. As soon as you can decide what the charge per 1000 copies ought to be, please to inform me.

I have heard from M^r Layton that he will want 5000; but perhaps when he hears the price, the number may be reduced.² There is a mistake about Kowalewsky, as he wants at first only 1000. Koch writes that he will begin with 1000; but then he has not yet learnt the price.³ No doubt some will be wanted in France.⁴

I hope the book will not be more than 12/

My dear Sir | yours sincerely | Ch Darwin

P.S. M^r Layton thinks £50 very liberal for the stereotypes of text & blocks—⁵

P.S 2^nd I did give the numbers for the plates at first to the H. Co. but it is not worth while reminding them of that.⁶