Dear Bates

I have an hour ago received your note & the Book.² I thank you cordially for your kind present. I have cut the pages & looked at most of the illustrations, & it seems to me one of the best got up books I have ever seen. I shall read it slowly & am sure it will interest me greatly.³ Whether it sells quickly or no, I feel a conviction that this publication will always be herafter a great satisfaction to you, when your severe labour will be forgotten. You will see it often alluded to in other works. I fear the great expence, which is not surprising, will lessen profits.⁴ It is so clear that it is Murray’s interest to sell the Book largely & as he has had large experience, I think you need not fear he will advertise to right degree.⁵ Remember how expensive advertisements are. He is never a great advertiser; & I have fancied when he feels sure that the Book will sell he advertises little. I do not think he has advertised Lyell much, & I am sure he advertised the Origin extremely little.⁶

I cordially congratulate you on publishing such a work.— When settled in London & you have leisure send me a line to say what your prospects are.— Shall you be in Holles St?⁷ I wrote there some little time since telling you of A. Grays “fascination” at your Butterfly paper.—⁸

With every good wish.— believe me yours sincerely | Ch. Darwin