Wanderings in South America, the north-west of the United States and the Antilles, 1812, 1816, 1820 and 1824, with instructions for the perfect preservation of birds, etc., for cabinets of natural history / by Charles Waterton, Esq.

  • Waterton, Charles, 1782-1865.
Date:
1825
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Wanderings in South America, the north-west of the United States and the Antilles, 1812, 1816, 1820 and 1824, with instructions for the perfect preservation of birds, etc., for cabinets of natural history / by Charles Waterton, Esq. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by Royal College of Physicians, London. The original may be consulted at Royal College of Physicians, London.

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    Now when we reflect that the preserved specimens in our museums, and private collections, are always done upon a wrong principle, and generally by low and illiterate people, whose daily bread depends upon the shortness of time in which they can get through their work; and whose opposition to the true way of preparing specimens, can only be surpassed by their obstinacy in adhering to the old method ; can we any longer wonder at their want of success ? or hope to see a single specimen produced that will be worth looking at ? With this I conclude, hoping that thou hast received some information, and occasionally had a smile upon thy countenance, while persusing these “ AVanderings and begging, at the same time, to add, that. Well I know thy penetration. Many a stain and blot will see. In the languid long narration, V Of iny sylvan errantry. For the pen, too oft was weary. In the wandering writer’s hand. As he roved through deep and dreary Forests, in a distant land. Show thy mercy, gentle reader. Let him not entreat in vain; It will be his strength’s best feeder. Should he ever go again. Fourth