[208] APFENDIX. 



I now take my leave of this controversy, assuring Mr. Swainson, that, 

 forgetting all that has passed, I should feel happy, had I the honour of an 

 introduction, to shake hands with him on the most friendly terms. 



I am, Sir, yours, &c. 

 February 23. 1832. A. R. Y. 



To the Editor of the Mag. Nat. Mist. 



(Copy of Mr. Swainson's Letter to A. R. Y.) 



Tittenhanger Green, St. Albans, January 2. 1832. 

 Sir, 



It is at all times repugnant to my feelings to carry on any discussion 

 which borders upon controversy, with one for whom I entertain either 

 respect or kindly feelings j and your writings (however we differ in opinion) 

 have certainly excited both. I shall not, therefore, pursue the subject far- 

 ther. It was perhaps ill-judged in adopting the practice you complain of in 

 the first instance, and you reason well upon the subject. It may be obsti- 

 nacy in me, perhaps, to continue it ; but, having fixed upon this mode of 

 publishing my own works, the public must take them for better or for 

 worse. You may, perhaps, think it incredible that less profit results from 

 the half-crown numbers (originating in the tricks of printing) than from 

 any of the others ; the price, however high, is consequently not a remune- 

 rating, but a losing one. I had some thoughts, now that my labours for Dr. 

 Richardson have closed, of continuing the Illustrations with regularity and 

 spirit ; but I cannot bear the public imputation of having acted meanly and 

 sordidly; and I shall therefore close the work with two more numbers. 

 Your own copies shall be sent you, if you wish them, to the care of IVIr. 

 Loudon, or to Messrs. Longman and Co. This will insure you a perfect set, 

 without the trouble of giving repeated orders to your bookseller. I might 

 have mentioned this as one of the consequences of " perpetually assisting 

 others," rather than first attending to my own interest, and prosecuting the 

 regular publication of my own works. I should have remembered the 

 fable of our youth, about the Good Man and the Ass. 



For the handsome manner in which you have spoken of me individually, 

 accept my best thanks, and allow me to subscribe myself 



Your sincere well-wisher, 



William Swainson. 



P. S. — I believe no notice, such as you allude to, was published in the 

 prospectus of the first series ; and if you think this admission should^ in 

 justice to yourself, be made public, you are at full liberty to send this letter, 

 or any part of it, for Mr. Loudon's next Number. 



To A. R. v., care of Mr. Loudon. 



