SOUTH AMERICA. 305 

 Now when we reflect that the preserved specimens in our Fourth 



Journey. 



museums, and private collections, are always done upon 



a wrong principle, and generally by low and illiterate 

 people, whose daily bread depends upon the shortness of 

 time in which they can get through their work ; and Avhose 

 opposition to the true way of preparing specimens, can 

 only be surpassed by their obstinacy in adhering to the 

 old method ; can we any longer wonder at their want of 

 success ? or hope to see a single specimen produced that 

 will be worth looking at ? With this I conclude, hoping 

 that thou hast received some information, and occasionally 

 had a smile upon thy countenance, while persusing these 

 AVanderings ;" and begging, at the same time, to add, 

 that. 



Well I know thy penetration. 



Many a stain and blot will see, 

 In the languid long narration, 



Of my sylvan errantry. 



For the pen, too oft was weary, 



In the wandering writer's hand, 

 As he roved through deep and dreary 



Forests, in a distant land. 



Show thy mercy, gentle reader. 



Let him not entreat in vain 5 

 It will be his strength's best feeder, 



Should he ever go again. 



2 R 



