Sir

I have the honour to inform you that the French translation of your Orchis book will be published by Mr Reinwald, at Paris.¹ The treaty is decisively concluded with him since eight days, but I could not let you know it earlier. The size of the book will be that of the French translation of your work on the variations of animals and plants, published at the same library by Mr Moulinié.² It will appear five or six months after I shall have sent to Paris my manuscript, and Mr Reinwald is to write immediately to Mr Murray,³ concerning the acquistion of the woodcuts.

I shall now, Sir, persue the work of revision which I have undertaken, examining with much care the Orchid-flowers, under the direction of Mr Faivre;⁴ Save the Mormodes Ignea, Angræcum Sesquipedale, Cephalanthera grandiflora, and perhaps one or two others, I think I shall be able to see and study by myself every flower you have described.⁵ I will do my best to respond well to the honour you did me, in giving me your authorization.

As you intend to join to the French edition a series of notes, be so kind as to send me them as soon as possible, indicating at the same time the place you wish to give them, either in the course, or at the end of the book.⁶ The simplest manner to send them to Lyons is to give them to the post, under bonds, as a manuscript or a commercial paper.

According to the advice of Mr Faivre, I will perhaps write three or four pages of introduction, these I will send you, desiring to write nothing which you would object to.

Allow me, Sir, to thank you for your kindness in sending me your very interesting work on climbing plants,⁷ and to assure you of the deep respect with which I have the honour to be | Your most obedient servant | Louis Rérolle