THE SCOFFER ABROAD 183 



that surprize is over, I will answer your accusation with 

 coolness and candour. You, Sir, did reproach me for ex- 

 hibiting in the artists' room in the Strand the Massonia. 

 I gave you then my reasons why, because I did see you 

 withheld the name of those who made the drawings for 

 you. I confess I thought it, and on that account, Sir, 

 I did exhibit that Plant. You, Sir, was also pleased to 

 say you should not be surprized to see half your South 

 Sea plants published by me in time ; and that if I did 

 dare publish, draw, or sell any of them, you would prose- 

 cute me to the utmost of the law. 



" I am sorry, Sir, you could descend to make that ex- 

 pression. Time, and my actions, will convince you that 

 I am above the law, for I am determined never to trans- 

 gress it. In the proposals for my intended work you will 

 read that all the plants are to be drawn from the life 

 (not from dry'd specimens). Time will evince, and the 

 public will judge, how far your suspicion is founded in 

 Truth. I am," etc. 



The same. 



" DORSET COURT, November, 1776. 

 " Mr. Miller's compliments to Mr. Banks. Mr. Miller 

 sends the drawings of the Heliconia agreeable to Dr. 

 Fothergill's request. Mr. Miller begs the return of the 

 drawings soon. . . ." 



Joseph Banks to J. F. Miller. 



" To Mr. Miller, Junr. 



" November 26, 1776. 



" MR. MILLER, Since you have publish'd engravings of 

 drawings which you made for me at my expense, I desire 

 to have no further concern with you. 



" With this you will receive back your engraving of 

 the Chamaeleon. 



