2C6 Deane, Letters from Swainson to Audubon. Ljuly 



You asked me what you can do for me in America. I will tell 

 you. Send me a cart load of shells from the Ohio, or from any 

 of the Rivers near New Orleans. The very smallest, as well as 

 the very largest — all sizes. I have been long expecting those 

 which your son promised you for me near twelve months ago 1 

 but I have heard nothing of them ! you may spend a few dollars for 

 me and send people to fish the shells at the dry season, when the 

 waters are low, that is the best time. 



Things go on here much as usual, but I have not been in Lon- 

 don since Xmas. The first volume, containing the Quadrupeds, 

 of Dr. Richardson's work, is out. I am now busy in prepairing 

 the second, which contains the Birds. Let me particularly direct 

 your attention to the manners of the Cedar Bird, Ampelis Ameri- 

 cana. I suspect it feeds much on Insects in default of fruit, but 

 what is desirable, is to know the way in which it captures Insect?, 

 whether as a flycatcher ie. by seizing them on the wing, or like 

 the Gold crest — by picking them up among the branches or 

 leaves. I am now in close correspondance with Charles Bona- 

 parte, & a most valuable correspondant he is. 



Mrs. Swainson is just recovering from her confinement after 

 giving me another little son I am happy today they are both going 

 on well. 



Wilson I believe mentions two birds very like the Red eyed 

 Flycatcher, this is a point deserving your attention, but the man- 

 ners of these birds are much more important. I feel convinced 

 there are several species of my Genus Ammodramus shore finch, 

 in the So. States, they all have narrow pointed tails, like the sea- 

 sidefinch of Wilson. I further suspect there is more than one 

 species confounded with the Towee Buntling. 



I hope soon again to hear more fully from you, and of your 

 ornithological acquisitions. The dear little ones are quite well. 



Yours very sincerely, 

 Wm. Swainson 

 The Green 26 June 1829. 

 Mr. John J. Audubon 

 care of 



Mess. Thomas E. Walker & Co. 

 Merchants. 



New York. 



