From R. F. Cooke   16 June 1874

My dear Sir

I hope the printer is going on to your satisfaction with the popular edition of the “Descent of Man”.¹

This edition is to be stereotyped, & we must now think of printing off the copies.

We are in doubt as to the proper quantity. Do you think we can venture on more than 2000 No?²

We have made a rough calculation for 2000 & find if we fixed the retail price at 12/-, it would not give more than a profit altogether of £250.!!!

It is when we can venture on 5000 copies, that these cheap editions come out well.³

The next reprint will be much less expensive, as there will be a saving of nearly £200.

Yours faithfully | Rob^t. Cooke

Cha^s. Darwin Esq