SOUTH AMERICA. 237 



museums. I always declined to do so, as I despaired of Third 



Journey. 



ever being able to hit upon a proper method of doing quad- 

 rupeds ; and I was aAvare that it would have been an 

 imperfect lecture to treat of birds only. I imparted 

 what little knowledge I was master of, at Sir Joseph's, 

 to the unfortunate gentlemen who Avent to Africa [to ex- 

 plore the Congo ; and that was all that took place in the 

 shape of a lecture. Now, that I had hit upon the way 

 of doing quadrupeds, I drew up a little plan on board the 

 Dee, which I trusted would have been of service to 

 naturalists ; and by proving to them the superiority^of the 

 new plan, they would probably be induced to abandon'the 

 old and common way, which is a disgrace to the present 

 age, and renders hideous every specimen in every museum 

 that I have as yet visited. I intended to have given three 

 lectures : one on insects and serpents ; one on birds ; and 

 one on quadrupeds. But, as it will be shortly seen, this 

 little plan was doomed not to be unfolded to public view. 

 Illiberality blasted it in the bud. 



We had a pleasant passage across the Atlantic, and 

 arrived in the Mersey in fine trim and good spirits. 

 Great was the attention I received from the commander 

 of the Dee. He and his mate, Mr. Spence, took every 

 care of my collection. 



On our landing, the gentlemen of the Liverpool Custom- Arrives at 

 house received me as an old friend and acquaintance, and 

 obligingly offered their services. 



