,~,s *"] Deane, Letters from Swainson to Audubon. 2 S7 



No. 8. 



My dear Mr. Audubon. 



I delayed not replying to your last letter soon after I received 

 it, and it fortunately was sent to Havell the very day that he was 

 making up a packet for you, I conclude therefore it has long ago 

 reached you. I know not in what part of the Wilds of America 

 you may now be wandering, but I hope you are fully intent upon 

 your great object, and that you are not only making drawings, 

 and taking notes, but preserving Skins, of all your little favorites. 

 Don't forget the Shrikes, of which I have strong suspicions there 

 are 2 or 3 species mixed up with the name of Loggerhead. Should 

 you be in the land of the Scarlet Ibis, do pray procure a dozen or 

 two of the best skins, they are the most magnificent birds of No. 

 America, and are said to be common towards New Orleans. 



You will learn frm the Newspapers how uncommonly severe is 

 our winter the snow has now been upon the ground five weeks and 

 it is still falling. I manage, however to walk out every day, and 

 thus have acquired better health than I have enjoyed for many 

 years. 



Previous to your embarking to England, which I hope you will 

 do very early in the spring you must dome one favor. Bring me 

 two Grey Squirrels alive, and a cage full of little birds, either the 

 painted or non-Pareil finch the Blue finch, or the Virginian Night- 

 ingale, as they are called, 3 or 4 of each to guard against casual- 

 ties by death on the voyage. I do not care one farthing whether 

 they sing or not, so that I presume they may be got for a mere 

 trifle. The Squirrels would delight the little people beyond meas- 

 ure, and would prove a neverfailing source of amusement to them. 

 I believe you have other kinds than the grey, so that any will do. 

 If you cannot get them pray supply their place by two Parrots of 

 America. 



We continue pretty well at the Green. 1 Seldom go to town, 

 but I find people begin to discover the true character of V.[igors] 

 and many that were formerly his friends now speak very differently 



1 Tittenhanger Green. Within a mile of the little village of London Colwey, 

 Herts. 



