598 APPENDIX. 



Letters on Bird- Stuffing. 

 To the Editor of the Illustrated London News* 



Sir, Your weekly publication is always read at Walton Hall with 

 pleasure and profit. 



As you have done me the honour to place my name in so advan- 

 tageous a light, I trust that you will kindly allow me to draw your 

 attention to the following points. 



I had been requested to send specimens to the Great Exhibition, 

 but I declined to do so. Nevertheless, in order to show the lovers 

 of natural history what can be done in taxidermy, when true 

 principles are called into action, I have sent specimens in the four 

 departments of quadrupeds, birds, reptiles, and insects to the Royal 

 College of Surgeons ; and I feel emboldened to say, that if you would 

 do me the favour to inspect them, I am sure Professor Owen will 

 obligingly show them to you. When I had examined the natural 

 history in the Exhibition, I went away dissatisfied ; and I am confi- 

 dent that you yourself will experience a similar feeling, when you 

 shall have inspected the specimens which I respectfully submit to 

 your notice. 



The mode of preparation universally followed in taxidermy is so 

 devoid of real principle, that he who pursues it, be he ever so clevei 

 and intelligent, will never succeed in producing an exact copy of 

 nature's true form and appearance. I have the honour to be, sir, 

 your obedient servant, CHARLES WATERTON. 



Letter of the Rev. Mr Dennis to the Editor ', &c. 



Sir, I have just read in your excellent paper, Mr Waterton's 

 stricture on the taxidermy in the Great Exhibition, and with all my 

 respect for the eminent naturalist's opinion, I cannot bring myself, 



* This letter was printed in the Illustrated London News. Mr Dennis atta:kecl 

 it, and hence the ensuing correspondence. 



