242 Deane, Letters of MacGillivray to Audubon. f ^" 



the drawings or plates sent to me. The skins and books might 

 be consulted afterward, when we might go over the articles in 

 company. Should you come here for the purpose, it would not, 

 I believe, be necessary for you to stay more than three weeks or 

 so. On the other hand I might possibly save you the trouble, by 

 going to London, or I might go there for some weeks during the 

 printing ; but of this we can speak afterward. To be methodical 

 I should like twenty-five birds, that is description of birds, by your 

 first parcel ; but I cannot state precisely at what time they might be 

 revised, only I think were you to send them, you might make a trip 

 to France and be back before I should be done. With respect to 

 printing it seems to me very doubtful that you can get it done in 

 London better or cheaper than here. The best way is to get esti- 

 mates. If the work were post 8vo., I imagine it would sell much 

 more extensively, but I suppose you have determined to continue it 

 of the same size. You ask about lodgings here. Two doors from 

 me there are good accommodations ; but I am sorry, that my own 

 nest which is in a garden, among pear-trees, is rather small. I 

 am sorry that you have resolved to reside in London, that ugly 

 forest of brick buildings swarming with vermin of all genera, 

 species, and varieties, and should like much to see you, that you 

 might condemn one half of my drawings and approve of the rest. 

 I do not think there is anything else in your letter to be answered. 



I can begin to revise immediately. 



Send, if convenient, 25 articles. 



Books are not necessary at present; or if any be, mention 

 them and I can get them here. 



Skins are not necessary either. 



Please say when you wish the business done. 



Address for security, parcels or packages to W. MacGillivray 

 Conservator of the Museum, College of Surgeons, Nicholson 

 Street, Edinburgh ; letters, to 1 1 Gilmore Place, Ed. 



Please offer my best regards to Mrs Audubon. 



I have the honor to be. Dear Sir 



Your obedient servant 



W. MacGillivray 



