My dear Sir

After much delay from illness, I have at last made considerable progress in a Book with some such Title as enclosed, & which I hope will go to press this early autumn.² Hence it is time to think of the woodcuts. I do not want you to pledge yourself even indirectly to publish, until you see M.S.; but will you aid me about the cuts with advice, I being responsible for all outlay.—

1^st. I want 29 cuts of bones (I am sorry so many are unattractive), chiefly skulls & 3 & 4 little bones on same cut.³ Now I must have artist here to explain what is to be done; & I sh^d. much prefer M^r. G. B. Sowerby, as I am accustomed to him.⁴ The specimens used have to be drawn right on the wood. But what can be done about cost. How can any agreement be made before drawings are made?—

2^d. I want 7 cuts of size of Page of Origin, well executed of chief races of Pigeons (& perhaps 3 Heads of Cocks).⁵ Now M^r. Wells has lately drawn for the Field some of the pigeons excellently:⁶ he charges 30^s for each drawing (as I hear from sub-editor of Field) & the cutting costs a little more for each.⁷ But my cuts would be a little smaller. Should I ask him to send an estimate for drawings & cutting to you?? or trust to my friend the Sub-Editor.

3^d. I have 5 drawings to be exactly copied,⁸ so that this will be simple job—

4^th I shall want 4 or 5 or 6 cuts of plants, & seeds,⁹ which M^r Fitch of Kew¹⁰ could alone do well: & I sh^d. think he might be trusted not to overcharge.—

Altogether I sh^d. wish for very nearly 50 cuts; but if you think this too much for Book (I guess about size of Origin) please advise me; for I could reduce the number to about 35.—¹¹

Lastly kindly inform me whether you think size of Origin good size.—

Please remember that I do not at all wish you to pledge yourself to publish.—

My dear Sir | Yours very sincerely | Ch. Darwin

How about Orchis Book?¹² I suppose Origin has ceased selling. I sh^d be very sorry to have now labour of another Edition, but I suppose that will never be wanted.¹³ I heard yesterday a new French Edit. is wanted¹⁴ & this will give me some trouble.—

Of present book I have 7 chapters ready for press & all others very forward, except the last & concluding one.¹⁵ Sir C. Lyell read the 1^st. Chapt. in M.S. on Dogs, 3 or 4 years ago, & thought favourably, & as it appeared to me certainly too favourably of it.—¹⁶

P.S. In the “Dovecote & Aviary by Rev. E. S. Dixon” published by you, there are 2 cuts of wild & Dovecote pigeon, which are well done, & though not necessary, would be very useful for my book, would you have kindness to let me use them, if in your possession?—¹⁷