Ixx LIFE OF WILSON. 



versed, say that these birds are seen in Cuba, early in the spring only, and 

 again in October. And the people of the district of Maine, of all the New 

 England states, and those who have lived on the river Illinois, declare that 

 these birds breed there in vast numbers. 



" I have many times been told that our small snow-bird (^fringiUa huJsonia) 

 breeds in the Great Swamp, which I can hardly believe. When I was in 

 Williantsburg, Virginia, Bishop Madison told me of a mountain, in the interior 

 of that state, where they bred in multitudes. I have lately had the most posi- 

 tive assurances from a gentleman who lived on the ranges of the Alleghany, 

 about two hundred and fifty miles distant, that he saw them there four months 

 ago ; and that they built their nests almost everywhere among the long grass. 

 He said he took particular notice of them, as he had heard it said down here, 

 that they changed to chipping-sparrows in summer. What think you of these 

 matters ?" 



To Mr. Wm. Bartram. 



"Philadelphia, November 11th, 1809. 

 " Dear Sir. 



" Since I parted from you yesterday evening, I have ruminated a great deal 

 on my proposed journey ; I have considered the advantages and disadvantages 

 of the three modes of proceeding : on horseback — in the stage-coach, and on 

 foot. Taking everything into view, I have at length determined to adopt the 

 last, as being the cheapest, the best adapted for examining the country we pass 

 through ; the most favorable to health ; and, in short, except for its fatigues, 

 the best mode for a scientific traveller or naturalist, in every point of view. I 

 have also thought that by this determination I will be so happy as to secure 

 your company, for which I would willingly sustain as much hardship, and as 

 many deprivations, as I am able to bear. 



" If this determination should meet your approbation, and if you are willing 

 to encounter the hardships of such a pedestrian journey, let me know as soon 

 as is convenient. I think one dollar a day, each, will be fully suflBcient for our 

 expenses, by a strict regard, at all times, to economy." 



The second volume of the Ornithology was published in January, 1810 ; and 

 Wilson set out for Pittsburgh, the latter part of the same month, in his route 

 to New Orleans, I trust that no apology is necessary for introducing the fol- 

 lowing letters, addressed to Mr. Lawson, into these memoirs, notwithstanding 

 th."ee of them are well known to the public, having originally appeared in the 

 Pert Folio.* 



To Mr. Alexander Lawson. 



''Pittsburgh, February 22d, 1810. 

 " Dear Sir. 



"From this first stage of my Ornithological pilgrimage, I sit down, with 



pleasure, to give you some account of my adventures since we parted. On 



arriving at Lancaster, I waited on the governor, secretary of state, and such 



other great folks as were likely to be useful to me. The governor received mc 



New Series, vols. III., 499, IV., 310, VII., 34. 



