I have o. an impt point— Some time ago Messrs. Appeton said (though I had told him I doubted whether the book w^d be bought they w^d bring out my I. Pl. if he c^d get stereos from M^r Murray;² but I do not choose that they sh^d. publish without knowing the cost of the plates & size of book.— M^r Murray generously allowed them to have plates of the Descent at cost price.³ but this is not fair & if M^r Murray will let M^rs A. have them, say 15 or 20 per cent extra, I w^d write & tell them the size of book & the no of woodcuts & then they c^d as they w^d be able to estimate pretty closely cost of plates & decide. Supposing the Plates to cost 50£, you sh^d charge 60£ & there w^d be 10£ in our favour. Does M^r Murray think this fair?— I sh^d be obliged for an immediate answer, as I I ought to have written sooner to Mess. Appleton.— Of course I am glad of an American Edition, to extend my 2^d edn & for publicity for my work