410 Scientific Intelligence. (May, 
would be my last attempt, and much commiseration was handed 
about as to my exit. The fears of those compassionate members of 
society were, however, quieted, upon bringing forward the labours 
of my year’s collecting, which enriched the cabinets of those ladies 
and gentlemen who know how to estimate the science, and have just 
feelings! Allow me, therefore, amidst such different opinions and 
principles, to explain the course which I find it necessary to pursue, 
viz. that I have no objection against making many a sacrifice; but 
at the same time I will not submit to leave unprotected the whole of 
the property which I offer. ‘To prevent so ruinous a case, the auc- 
tioneer (Mr. King) will at once put up with my ultimatum those 
lots which do not allow me to become the victim of the times, of 
combinations, or of illiberal motives! I have heard that much is 
expected from me, when making a sale, in point of quality and 
choice. 1 too may reasonably expect some sympathy; and I do 
rely upon the protection of the public. Some curious facts may at 
a future period be developed in proof that ideas exist in this country 
regarding mineralogy which are unknown abroad; and here I 
merely suggest to any of your readers the question how it comes 
and has happened that since Mr. Forster, my late uncle, left this: 
country for Russia, in 1795; but more particularly since the death 
of Mr. Greville, in 1809, and since the greater part of the nobility 
have ceased collecting, the majority of actual collectors have come 
to the singular conclusion that the commerce of minerals is con- 
temptible? In other cities of Europe the toils of my late uncle, as 
well as my own, have inspired a widely different feeling. 
Whilst upon this subject, I need only to say, that a true dealer in 
minerals is, ipso facto, a merchant, embarking his capital in all 
parts of the known world, and honourably upholding the pursuits of 
science, which must ever be inseparably connected with legitimate 
commerce ; and that there are few exceptions where collectors are 
not themselves, publicly or privately, dealers. For the truth of 
these remarks I appeal to your readers. Consequently, if I remain 
in England, I trust that, for the future, the collectors and the 
friends of mineralogical science will not suffer illiberal prejudices to 
damp the ardour of a pursuit which, calliag for continual sacrifices, 
by alsorbing instead of making a fortune, demanding unwearied 
application, and attended with numberless difficulties and risks, 
surely constitutes a powerful claim upon impartial judgment and 
manly feeling! I hope there is not any presumption in the state- 
ment of my opinion that the removal of my large private collection 
would prove a real loss to this country. It may be permitted me to 
say so, when it is acknowledged throughout Europe that there are 
to be found the fruits of 60 years mineralogical labours, comprising 
the period when my late uncle, Mr. Forster, commenced his 
career, up to the present hour, wherein I have unremittingly fol- 
lowed his steps, determined to procure the finest of substances, and 
regarding expense as a secondary consideration, In all humility, 
and with the will of Providence, I can reckon that in 18 months’ 
2 
