"2. All our original calculations were based on
100 Readings. But an unexpected result of
careful enquiry on the spot, is the discovery
that the month of May is generally considered
(in the large cities) bad for such a purpose.
Admitting that what governs an ordinary case in
this wise, governs mine, this reduces the
Readings to 80, and consequently at a blow
makes a reduction of 20 per cent., in the means
of making money within the half year--unless
the objection should not apply in my
exceptional instance.

"3. I dismiss the consideration that the great
towns of America could not possibly be
exhausted--or even visited--within 6 months,
and that a large harvest would be left
unreaped. Because I hold a second series of
Readings in America is to be set down as out of
the question: whether regarded as involving two
more voyages across the Atlantic, or a vacation
of five months in Canada.

"4. The narrowed calculation we have made, is
this: What is the largest amount of clear
profit derivable, under the most advantageous
circumstances possible, as to their public
reception, from 80 Readings and no more? In
making this calculation, the expenses have been
throughout taken on the New York scale--which
is the dearest; as much as 20 per cent., has
been deducted for management, including Mr.
Dolby's commission; and no credit has been
taken for any extra payment on reserved seats,
though a good deal of money is confidently
expected from this source. But on the other
hand it is to be observed that four Readings
(and a fraction over) are supposed to take
place every week, and that the estimate of
receipts is based on the assumption that the
audiences are, on all occasions, as large as
the rooms will reasonably hold.

"5. So considering 80 Readings, we bring out
the net profit of that number, remaining to me
after payment of all charges whatever, as
L15,500.

"6. But it yet remains to be noted that the