APPENDIX. 599 



being an exhibitor in that art, tamely to submit to them. The 

 peacock I exhibited, was, when I left it there, I felt convinced, a 

 very near approach to the peculiar character of that bird when its 

 wondrous train is expanded. Now, possibly, having no case, the 

 currents in the building may partially have disarranged the tail 

 feathers. 



During the process of stuffing the bird (which occupied, for want 

 of leisure, several months), I made the live bird my study ; and if 

 that is not the real principle of taxidermy, I know of no other. The 

 mechanical processes are merely accessory. The creature must be 

 seen alive to be stuffed properly. If any person is curious enough 

 to compare some snowy owls in the Exhibition with one alive in the 

 Zoological Gardens, he would hardly know them to be birds of the 

 same species. It was my intention, when the Exhibition was over, 

 to offer the peacock to the British Museum ; and I think I cannot 

 do better than fulfil that intention ; perhaps Mr Waterton will allow 

 it is good enough for that purpose. 



May I beg the favour of the insertion of this note. I have the 

 honour to be, sir, your very obedient servant, 



J. B. P. DENNIS. 



BURY Sx EDMUNDS, September 8, 1851. 



To the Editor, &c. 



Sir, If the public had been duly informed that the specimens 

 of taxidermy in the Crystal Palace were deposited there for ad- 

 miration only, I should not venture to trouble you with these few 

 lines. 



Under the delusion that a man's opinion is always considered free 

 in public exhibitions, I now find by the communication of the Rev. 

 J. B. P. Dennis to you on the i8//&, that I have been in error ; and 

 that I ought not to have sent you the remarks which you kindly 

 admitted into your columns of August 2. I crave pardon for the 

 mistake Humanum est errare. 



