Sir

Allow me to offer you many thanks, concerning the letter you wrote to Mr Faivre, in which you authorise the translation of your Orchis book.¹ I will be happy to present to the French naturalists your remarkable and interesting experiments.

The importance of this undertaking required on my part, a few day’s reflection, before coming to a decision. I pray you to excuse the delay of the present letter. I have made up my mind to publish the translation of your work, making all the rectifications you think fit. I have not yet taken any engagement with a publisher; but I will soon apply to one, at Paris.

As soon as the business is settled with him, I will receive with pleasure and gratitude your precious foot-notes; they will certainly add much value to the publication.² I will then inquire of your publisher the terms on which the stereotypes of the woodcuts can be supplied.

I have now translated the whole book, save only the twenty last pages; I shall have to review and copy it, but previously I will persue the practical study of the Orchid-flowers mentioned in your volume. Mr Faivre is so kind as to leave at my disposal the very rich collection of the botanical garden of Lyons;³ I will carefully examen under his direction every flower you have described, in order to exclude any chance of error. Though I cannot exactly know at what time the translation will be published, yet I hope it will appear at the end of the present year, or at least, in the course of the two first months of the following.

I thank you much, Sir, for your kindness in offering to send me your work on climbing plants; I have heard of it, and will read it with the greatest interest.

Allow me, Sir, to assure you of the deep respect with which I have the honour to be | Your very obedient servant | L. Rérolle

17 march 69.

4, place d’Ainay. Lyon.