WILLIAM SMELLIE. 
37 
which give a perfect representation of the birds 
in their natural colours. These plates are at 
least as good as those of Mr Edwards, and they 
are a thousand in number. It is the most beauti- 
ful work of the kind ever exhibited to the 
public. 
“ In 1773 and 1774, I published two quarto 
volumes, under the title of “ Supplements serving 
as Introduction to the History of Minerals,” on 
which subject I am now labouring. And in 
1777, I published a quarto volume as a supple- 
ment to the Natural History of Man. Finally, I 
published in 1778, a fifth volume in quarto, 
which is one of the most important of the whole 
work, and is entitled, “ Of the Epochs of Nature.” 
If you wish it, I shall present you with a copy of 
this. But it is vexatious that war should inter- 
rupt the communication between men of letters. 
I much regret the loss sustained by the prema- 
ture death of your illustrious navigator. Captain 
Cook. You will see, Sir, when you read my 
Epochs of Nature, that I have made much use of 
his discoveries in the southern hemisphere. 
“ If you do me the honour of writing to me, I 
beg you will inform me whether Dr Horsley 
has published his new edition of Newton’s works. 
I subscribed for a copy of this work, for which 
I paid 120 livres to Lord Stormont’s Secretary, 
when he was ambassador in France. He is one 
of your most accomplished countrymen, and 
shewed me every mark of civility. I shall ever 
respect both his merit and his person. I most 
