Dear Sir

I had intended writing to you to say that I w^d send the M.S. for the first number to you by our weekly carrier on Thursday morning. I have much condensed, added to, & improved the scientific part: As nearly as I can possibly calculate; there will be 168 pages of your volume.

I have well considered & consulted others on title-page: I think from honesty & policy (as the work has been much quoted) we must keep to nearly the same title: I hope you will approve of the enclosed, which is strictly accurate & does not give the idea of exclusive science, as the ‘Journal’ is so prominent. I do not know how far you value M^r Lyells’ judgment, but he approves of it.¹

Should you [not] object to the enclosed short Dedication, it w^d much gratify me to insert it?—²

I enclose the map, of which I have the copper-plate. To my own taste & that of every person, whom I ever heard speak of the subject, a map in a volume of Travels is very agreeable: please inform me of your decision before Wednesday night, that I may send it or not with the M.S.³

Please return the Map and Title & Dedication: of the latter I beg you not say a word to M^r. Lyell..

I have borrowed a few woodcuts from my Geological volumes: & I have had one made at 12^s. as I thought it very desirable to illustrate a description of a curious Bird:⁴ I will direct M^r Lee to take it & the account to you, if you approve, if not I will pay it myself.—

Will the Table of Contents ie Chapters belonging to the First Number be published in the First Number, or the whole Contents in the 3^d number?—

The condensing the scientific parts & additions have cost me infinitely more time than I anticipated, otherwise I sh^d. have sent the M.S. sooner.

Finally—I take the liberty of calling your attention to the fact, that when you offered me 100£, it was for the two numbers. I did not choose to throw any obstacle in our arrangements; nor of course will I now do so; but for the copyright of my Journal in three numbers, I think 100£ is ⁠⟨⁠    ⁠⟩⁠⁵ sum. Do you think you could afford to allow me an additional fifty? I assure you I have taken the utmost pains with this new Edition

Believe me dear Sir | Yours very faithfully | C. Darwin To | J. Murray E^qre.