^TTPSnpnrm^o the Missouri 247 



Societies I belonged to for the promotion of Natural History. 

 I went to see them, and have with pleasure exhibited them at 

 the Linnean Society on the third Tuesday in Nov'- and at the 

 Scientific evening, as well as the monthly general, meeting of 

 the Zoological Society, both of which occurred early in Dec''- 

 and I then returned the 5 Plates to M'"- Phillips — They were 

 very much admired but I did not obtain any request for a 

 supply. 



In reference to your next request, I must decline any con- 

 nection with the sale or publication of this, or indeed any other 

 foreign work, in this country. The truth is, that having now 

 been in the business nearly forty years, I begin to be tired of 

 work ; the last part of my History of British Birds will be pub- 

 lished on the l^t of June 1843; with that part I shall give up 

 my pen, and write for money no more. 



You are kind enough to give me some credit for experi- 

 ence as a publisher, and some knowledge of the persons who 

 are likely to be purchasers of works on Natural History here — 

 My conviction is that you would gain more by paying full com- 

 mission to an established Bookseller in London who would by 

 advertising make your works known, and where they might be 

 obtained — than you will by the best efforts of any private 

 friend, even though his kindness should induce him to take all 

 the trouble for nothing. 



You say nothing about your family. I hope they are all 

 well. 



I remain. Dear Sir, 



Yours very truly 



W" Yaerell. 

 J. J. Audubon Esq'"- 



77 WiUiam Street, 

 New York. 



In the following letter to Spencer Baird Audubon 

 was able to outline more fully his final plans for the 

 western journey: 



