ANNALS 
OF 
PHILOSOPHY. 
JUNE, 1816. 
ARTICLE I. 
Biographical Sketch of Alexander Wilson. 
(Concluded from p. 342.) 
WE now approach that era of our author’s life in which we 
behold him emerging from the vale of obscurity, and attaining that 
enviable distinction in the republic of science and letters which it 
is the lot of but few to enjoy. 
Mr. Samuel F. Bradford, bookseller, of Philadelphia, being 
about to publish an improved edition of Rees’s New Cyclopedia, 
Mr. Wilson was introduced to him as one qualified to superintend 
the work ; and was engaged, at a liberal salary, as assistant editor. 
Not long after this engagement he unfolded his mind to Mr. 
Bradford on the subject of an American Ornithology, and exhibited. 
such evidence of his talents for a publication of that nature, that 
Mr. Bradford promptly agreed to become the publisher, and to 
furnish the requisite funds ; and now for the first time Mr. Wilson 
found those obstructions removed which had opposed his favourite 
enterprise. 
All things being thus happily arranged, he applied himself to his 
varied and extensive duties with a diligence which scarcely admitted 
repose; until finding his health much impaired thereby, he was 
induced to seek the benefits of relaxation in a pedestrian excursion 
through a part of Pennsylvania, which afforded him a favourable 
opportunity of procuring specimens of birds, and some. additional 
easton relating to them of which he was very desirous to be 
ssed. 
.This jaunt was made in the month of August, 1807; and on~. 
the return of Mr. Wilson he engaged in his avocations withrenewed. _ . 
Vor. VII. N° VI. 2D 
