My dear Sir

I rec^d this morning a letter from Prof. Vogt proposing to translate my new book for Mr Ricker.¹ At the same time he tells me the very bad news that you are no longer Professor at Leipzig.² Under these circumstances Vogt suggests that you w^d perhaps have more time than before, & find it more convenient to translate my new book, & in that case he begs me to consider his proposition as never made.

Under these circumstances I shall be delighted if you will accept the right of translation, & you can apply to any publisher whom you like & make the best terms you can. As my books sell pretty well in Germany a publisher ought to give you a considerable remuneration for the right and labour of translation. When I know the size of my book, though I dare say this will not be for 9 or 12 months, I will let you know, to aid you in making any agreement. The book will not be very small & will contain a good many wood cuts.

Besides Mr Ricker mentioned above, Mr Duncker of Berlin, & M^r Brockhaus of Leipzig have applied to me for the right of translation.³

Pray believe me | my dear Sir | yours sincerely | Ch. Darwin