From William Longman   15 September 1856

My Dear Sir,

I have seen your article in the Gardeners Chronicle & think there is but little doubt that we should be happy to republish them, but my partners are at present absent. On their return I will again communicate with you. In the mean time perhaps you can tell me about the sized book you think it will make. With regard to terms – our usual arrangements are to take the risk & share the Profits equally with an Author. This comes to the same thing as the “Royalty” you propose, but it is, I believe, a much better & simpler arrangement. In the case of a Royalty – no definite agreement can be made till the retail price is fixed, which cannot be determined till the book is printed. Again, if the price is either raised or lowered the terms require alteration & altogether it introduces, I think, an unnecessary difficulty into our arrangements. I shall therefore be glad to know whether you would accept our usual terms

I am my dear Sir | faithfully yours | W. ^m Longman