On reflecting that this bird has been twice in the Temperate and Torrid
Zone, and remained some years in the hot and humid climate of Demerara,
only six degrees from the line, and where almost everything becomes a prey
to the insect, and that it is still as sound and bright as when it was
first done, it will not be thought extravagant to surmise that this
specimen will retain its pristine form and colours for years after the hand
that stuffed it has mouldered into dust.
I have shown this art to the naturalists in Brazil, Cayenne, Demerara,
Oroonoque and Rome, and to the royal cabinets of Turin and Florence. A
severe accident prevented me from communicating it to the cabinet of Paris,
according to my promise. A word or two more, and then we will conclude.
A little time and experience will enable you to produce a finished
specimen: "Mox similis volucri, mox vera volucris." If your early
performance should not correspond with your expectations, do not let that
cast you down. You cannot become an adept all at once.
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