338 Bzographical Sketch of [May, 
the long, circuitous journey which I have at length finished, through 
trackless snows and uninhabited forests ; over stupendous moun- 
tains, and down dangerous rivers; passing over, in a course of 
1,300 miles, as great a variety of men and modes of living as the 
same extent of country can exhibit in any part of North America— 
though in this tour I have had every disadvantage of deep roads and 
rough weather, hurried marches, and many other inconveniences, 
to encounter—yet so far am I from being satisfied with what I have 
seen, or discouraged by the fatigues which every traveller must 
suhmit to, 1 feel more eager than ever to commence some more 
extensive expedition, where scenes and subjects entirely new and 
generally unknown might reward my curiosity, and where perhaps 
my humble acquisitions might add something to the stores of know- 
ledge. For all the hazards and privations incident to such an. un- 
dertaking, I feel confident in my own spirit and resolution, With 
no family to enchain my affections, no ties but those of friendship, 
and the most ardent love of my adopted country ; with a constitution 
which hardens amidst fatigues; and a disposition sociable and open, 
which can find itself at home by an Indian fire in the depth of the 
woods as well asin the best apartment of the civilized. For these, 
and some other reasons that invite me away, I am determined to 
become a traveller. But I am miserably deficient in many acquire- 
ments absolutely necessary for such a character. Botany, mine- 
ralogy, and drawing, 1 most ardently wish to be instructed in, and 
with these I should fear nothing. Can 1 yet make any progress in 
botany sufficient to enable me to be useful? and what would be the 
most proper way to proceed? 1 have many leisure moments that 
should be devoted to this pursuit, provided I could have hopes of 
succeeding. Your opinion on this subject will confer an additional 
obligation on your affectionate friend.” 
It is worthy of remark that when men of uncommon talents pro- 
ject any great scheme they usually overlook those circumstances of 
minor importance, which ordinary minds would estimate as first 
deserving attention. Thus Wilson, with an intellect expanded by 
information, and still grasping at further improvement as a mean of 
distinction, would fain become a traveller, even at the very moment 
when the sum total of his funds amounted to 75 cents, ! * 
He now employed all his vacant hours in drawing and the study 
of ornithology, being resolutely bent on the accomplishing of his 
design, of which he became more enamoured the longer he reflected 
on it. 
The spring of the year 1805 arrived, and gave to the enraptured 
view of our naturalist his interesting feathered acquaintance. He 
listened to their artless songs ; he noted their habitudes; he sketched 
their portraits: and after having passed a few months varied with 
this charming occupation, he again writes to the respected inha- 
bitant of the Botanic Garden :— 
* This fact the editer bad from one of Mr, Wilson’s own letters, 
