Ixxvi 
AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 
which I experienced from the Treasury* on my 
return from Guiana. 
I had spent many years in trying to improve the 
very defective process universally followed in pre- 
paring specimens for museums. The reader will 
see by the letter signed Lushington that I was sen- 
tenced to pay pretty handsomely for my exertions. 
Stung with vexation at the unexpected contents 
of that peremptory letter, and annoyed at the de- 
tention of my collection, I determined not to com- 
municate to the public the discovery which I had 
made of preparing specimens upon scientific prin- 
ciples ; but, in order to show what I had done, I 
placed the nondescript in the Wanderings ; hoping 
that its appearance would stimulate to investigation 
those who are interested in museums. Should there 
be any expression in the Wandermgs, by which the 
reader may be led to imagine that I wish to pass 
off this extraordinary thing either for the head and 
shoulders of a man, " os homini sublime;" or for 
* " Treasury Chambers, May 18th. 
* Gentlemen, 
"The Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury, having had 
under their consideration your report of the 10th, on the application of Mr. 
Charles Waterton, for the delivery, duty free, of some birds, quadrupeds, 
reptiles, and insects, collected by him in Guiana, and recently imported 
ti-om Demerara, I have it in command to acquaint you that my Lords 
have informed Mr. Waterton that, if he will specify the articles which he 
intends to give to public institutions, my Lords will not object to their 
being delivered duty free ; but that, with regard to the specimens intended 
for his own or any private collection, they can only be delivered on pay- 
ment of -the ad valorem duty of 20 per cent. ; and I am to desire you wiH 
give the necessary directions to your officers at Liverpool, in conformity 
thereto. 
" I am, &c. 
" (Signed) J. R. Lushington. 
* Commissioners of Customs." 
