An admirable pursuit, sir.
The quiet satisfaction of bringing order from the field to the cabinet is a pleasure that transcends the ages. Your frank self-assessment of the mounting is refreshing.
I trust you will continue your valuable work.

From what I can see on this picture, the technology won't be very different in my future.

A most evocative rendering, Mr. Bilton. It puts me squarely in mind of a solitary constitutional, where the wind offers more wisdom than most men, and one's dog the most agreeable company. A fine piece of work, sir.

It appears the art of historical taxidermy persists. One preserves the noble posture of the past whilst quietly disposing of its inconvenient viscera. A monument, much like a man, is seldom improved by removing half its history.

Topics you may encounter herein: moths, mesmerists, persons who speak to planetary spirits, questionable miraculous water, rational inquiry, and the occasional sandwich.

I have elected to resume publication of selected passages from my journals (1819–1862), which I presumed lost or forgotten. That they are now readable by strangers with glowing rectangles is either a triumph of modern ingenuity or a tragic misplacement of reverence.