HIGH PKESSUEE. 195 



articles, and it never entered into my mind for a moment 

 to suppose that he was not advancing steadily in a matter 

 which was originally consigned to Mm much more on 

 his own account than on mine. Judge, then, of my sur- 

 prise and disappointment on being informed a day or two 

 ago, in answer to an intimation that the said article might 

 be required in a month or thereby, that other engagements 

 made it impossible for him to undertake it if it were re- 

 quired in anything like that time. I shall only add that 

 these other engagements, of a somewhat advantageous 

 nature, were bestowed on my own recommendation at a 

 period subsequent to his written pledge regarding the 

 said Ichthyology. All this, of course, is no excuse as be- 

 tween myself and the principal editor, who takes no 

 concern in my engagements, and to whom I stand pledged 

 altogether independent of other individuals. I think it 

 likely that not less (though certainly not more) than seven 

 weeks will be allowed from about this time ; but even 

 during that period it would be hard work for any one indi- 

 vidual, not prepared by any previous study in anticipation, 

 to get up a worthy article on so important a subject. I 

 shall, however, indeed I must, sacrifice all other ensrage- 

 ments and work like a horse, and I have no hesitation in 

 applying to you for assistance, which I doubt not you will 

 grant if you can do so consistently with prior duties. All 

 that I wish from you is, that you would undertake an 



