My dear Sir,

It is a mistake that either I or my son Francis intends publishing on inheritance.¹ We have been at work for more than a year on some physiological work with plants but I daresay shall print nothing for a year to come. Whenever we do begin to print, proof sheets shall be sent, & you can then settle about translation.²

I cannot remember whether I have ever said so before, but assure you that I consider the edition of my collected works in German a very great honour.³

I received sometime ago a number of your new periodical, & I should think that it would be of very great use to all Zoological students. Should anything occur to me I will communicate with you, but this is unlikely as I am solely working at plants.⁴ This journal must I fear cost you great labour.

Believe me my dear Sir | Yours sincerely | Ch. Darwin