SIDELIGHTS ON CONTEMPORARIES 105 



As to time, and remuneration, I shall have completed all 

 my portion of Dr. Richardson's works in two months. I can 

 then devote a portion of each day to yours. The terms of my 

 remuneration will be those which I always receive from the 

 Booksellers, and which are fixed, worth twelve guineas a sheet 

 of the same size and Type as the Zoological Journal, each sheet 

 being 16 pages, and each page averages 390 words, the calcu- 

 lation is there brought to a nicety, and you may spend as 

 much as you choose. If I have to revise and correct the proofs, 

 make alterations etc. that will be something additional, I al- 

 ways charge this by the time each sheet takes me, and would 

 come to from 5/ to 7/6 a sheet but the booksellers generally 

 give me a round sum, which I name after trying the three first 

 sheets of a work, with Dr. Richardson's the case was different, 

 I there had 300 £ for my assistance and drawings. It would 

 of course be understood that my name stands in the title page 

 as responsible for such portion as concerns me. 



Should we arrange this matter, it will be time enough to 

 fix on other minor points. But I should like to know your 

 decision soon, as I have been applied to in another quarter. 

 Indeed I am already so full of business, that I have two years 

 active employment ahead of me. I go for two days to assist 

 Burchell 10 in the arrangement of his African Birds prior to 

 publication, at the end of the month, I shall bear in mind what 

 you say on the Woodpecker but I have peculiar notions on 

 Species, which, as I believe them correct, so I do not suffer to 

 be influenced by others, you will see more of this in my Book 

 of American Birds. 11 Our kindest remembrance to Mrs. Audu- 

 bon, and always look upon me as your sincere, but very plain 

 spoken friend, 



W. Swainson. 



10 William John Burchell (1782P-1863), an indefatigable collector and 

 explorer, especially in Africa and Brazil; the zebra, Equus burchelli, 

 and many animals and plants which he discovered have been dedicated 

 to him. 



11 Referring to the Fauna-Boreali Americana, the second part of which, 

 on "Birds," published in 1831, was by Swainson; see Vol. I, p. 410. 



