292 THE 'EFFECTS OF CROSS- [1876. 



"I worked last summer hard at Drosera, but could not 

 finish till I got fresh plants, and consequently took up the 

 effects of crossing and self-fertilising plants, and am got so 

 interested that Drosera must go to the dogs till I finish with 

 this, and get it published ; but then I will resume my beloved 

 Drosera, and I heartily apologise for having sent the precious 

 little things even for a moment to the dogs." 



The following letters give the author's impression of his 

 own book.] 



C. Darwin to J. Murray. 



Down, September 16, 1876. 



My dear Sir, — I have just received proofs in sheet of 

 five sheets, so you will have to decide soon how many copies 

 will have to be struck off. I do not know what to advise. 

 The greater part of the book is extremely dry, and the whole 

 on a special subject. Nevertheless, I am convinced that the 

 book is of value, and I am convinced that for many years 

 copies will be occasionally sold. Judging from the sale of 

 my former books, and from supposing that some persons will 

 purchase it to complete the set of my works, I would suggest 

 1500. But you must be guided by your larger experience. 

 I will only repeat that I am convinced the book is of some 

 permanent value. . . . 



C. Darwin to Victor Cams. 



Down, September 27, 1876. 



My DEAR Sir, — I sent by this morning's post the four 

 first perfect sheets of my new book, the title of which you 

 will see on the first page, and which will be published early 

 in November. 



I am sorry to say that it is only shorter by a few pages 

 than my ' Insectivorous Plants.' The whole is now in type, 

 though I have corrected finally only half the volume. You 

 will, therefore, rapidly receive the remainder. The book is 



