294 



WANDERINGS IN 



be changed into the noble countenance of man. — 

 " Scinditur vulgiis." One might argue at considerable 

 length on this novel subject ; and perhaps, after all, pro- 

 duce little more than a heap of prolix pedantry. " Vox 

 et prseterea nihil." 



Let us suppose for an instant, that it is a new species. 

 Well; " Una golondrina no hace verano one swallow 

 does not make summer, as Saneho Panza says. Still, for 

 all that, it would be well worth while going out to search 

 for it ; and these times of Pasco -Peruvian enterprise are 

 favourable to the undertaking. Perhaps, gentle readers, 

 you would wish me to go in quest of another. I would 

 beg leave respectfully to answer, that the way is dubious, 

 long, and dreary ; and though, unfortunately, I cannot 

 allege the excuse of " me pia conjux detinet," still I would 

 fain crave a little repose. I have already been a long 

 while errant : — 



" Longa mihi exilia, et vastum maris aequor avavi, 

 Ne mandate mihi, nam ego sum defessus agendo." 



Should any body be induced to go, great and innumerable 

 are the discoveries yet to be made in those remote wilds ; 

 and should he succeed in bringing home, even a head 

 alone, with features as perfect as those of that which I 

 have brought, far from being envious of him, I should 

 consider him a modern Alcides, fully entitled to register 

 a thirteenth labour. Now if, on the other hand, we argue 

 that this head in question has had all its original featm'es 



