8 PROCEEDINGS OF THE 



must of course be satisfied with what I can get. My reason for requiring 3 or 

 4 males is this: I mount my birds in groups and give a compartment in a case 

 to each species. I will either remit money for these birds or an equivalent in 

 species you do not possess, and I may have to spare, as may be most agreeable 

 to you. Whether the remittance be in money or birds, it shall be made as 

 soon as I receive the specimens. I say this because I must plead guilty of 

 neglect in not sending you the plates I have so long promised you; that is 

 not, however, altogether my fault, as I gave orders that they should be sent 

 in Mr. Wilson's parcel last year, which I find was not done. I am now, how- 

 ever, engaged in preparing plates 11 and 12, and will take care that you are 

 thought of when they are forwarded. I had intended to have written out to 

 Belan to obtain specimens of the Mellisuga albocoronata, but shall now avail 

 myself of your obliging offer. Could you not at this moment procure me a 

 male and a female ? as I much wish to see them. Others might follow at your 

 convenience. I am also very desirous of obtaining 2 or 3 specimens of the 

 Hook-billed species Eutoseres aquila which flies in the same forest with the M. 

 alboeoronata where also will doubtless be found other fine species with which 

 you are more likely to become acquainted in America than we are in London. 

 If any novelties should come to hand, I should be very glad of a line saying 

 what they are. It is just possible I may be in America next year, and have 

 the pleasure of seeing you and your improvements in coloring in which I am 

 very glad to hear of your success. In the meantime, hoping soon to have a 

 few lines from you in reply to this troublesome communication, I remain 



My dear Sir, 



Yours very truly, 



John Gould. 



The following letter from Victor G. Audubon, son of John J. 

 Audubon, indicated that William Baily had communicated his 

 process of coloring to other publishers: 



New York, Feb. 27, 1855. 

 Wm. L. Baily, Esq., 



Philadelphia, Pa. 

 Dear Sir: 



Your esteemed favor of the 24th inst. came to hand yesterday, and received 

 my attention. 



I hope to be in Philadelphia next week and will then call and see you, and 

 examine the new method by which you color the Hummingbirds, and talk 

 with you on the subject of my new edition of the " Birds of America". 



Yours my dear Sir, 

 Very truly, 



V. G. Audubon. 



Under date of March 26, 1855, J. H. Mcllvain of Philadel- 



