of illustrated volumes on the Birds * and Quadrupeds * of North America, 
his Synopsis of Birds,* and the Journals * of his expeditions to Labrador 
and to the Missouri and Yellowstone Rivers. 
The preparation and publication of his elephant folio atlases of life- 
size colored plates of birds, begun in 1827 and completed in 1838, with 
the accompanying volumes of text (the “Ornithological Biography,” 
1831-1839), was a colossal task. But no sooner was it accomplished 
than an equally sumptuous work on the mammals was undertaken, 
and, with the assistance of Bachman, likewise carried to a successful 
termination. For more than three-quarters of a century the splendid 
paintings which adorn these works, and which for spirit and vigor are 
still unsurpassed, have been the admiration of the world. 
In addition to his more pretentious works, Audubon wrote a number 
of minor articles and papers and left a series of “ Journals,” since pub- 
lished by his grand-daughter, Miss Maria R. Audubon. The Journals 
are full to overflowing with observations of value to the naturalist and, 
along with the entertaining “Episodes,” throw a flood of light on con- 
temporary customs and events. Incidentally, they are by no means to 
be lost sight of by the historian. 
In searching for material for his books Audubon traveled thousands 
of miles afoot in various parts of the eastern states, from Maine to 
Louisiana; he also visited Texas, Florida and Canada; crossed the 
ocean several times, and conducted expeditions to far-away Labrador 
and the then remote Missouri and Yellowstone Rivers. When we 
remember the limited facilities for travel in his day, the scarcity of 
railroads, steamboats and other conveniences, we are better prepared 
to appreciate the zeal, determination and energy necessary to accomplish 
his self-imposed task. 
That it was possible for one man to do so much excellent field work, 
to write so many meritorious volumes and to paint such a multitude 
1 The Birds of America, 4 atlases, double elephant folio colored plates. Lon- 
don, 1827-1838; Ornithological Biography, an account of the habits of the birds 
of the United States. 5 vols. Royal 8vo, Edinburgh, 1831-1839. 
? The Quadrupeds of North America by John James Audubon and Rey, John 
Bachman. 3 vols. Royal 8vo text, and elephant folio atlas of colored plates. 
New York, 1846-1854. 
3 Synopsis of Birds of North America. Edinburgh & London, 1839. 
4 Audubon and has Journals by Maria R. Audubon. 2 vols. 8vo. New York, 
1897. 
12 
