Ornithological Biography. 139 



situations may well occur. We saw, only a few days ago, in the 

 possession of Dr. Blanding, of this city, a preserved specimen of 

 the mocassin, so precisely like the rattlesnake, that there was no 

 apparent difference, except that it wanted the rattles : this ren- 

 ders it possible that Mr. Audubon may have mistaken one ser- 

 pent for another, and altogether improbable that his statement is 

 a fiction. Yet this has been ill-naturedly attributed to this great 

 naturalist, who may really have found the rattlesnake itself in 

 this position, for aught we know to the contrary. 



Mr. Audubon has in these works shown the world, that nature 

 has not spoken to him in vain, and that he can express the feel- 

 ings she has inspired him with, with great force. As an author 

 and a naturalist, he has raised himself beyond the reach of that 

 envy and neglect, which are too often successfully directed 

 against genius, ere its plant has grown into strength, and has put 

 forth the blossomed honours, which impose silence even upon 

 detraction. We gathered from his introductory address, that 

 those social honours which have been lavished upon him in Eu- 

 rope, have been denied him, in this, his native country. We 

 imagine it is because he has been comparatively unknown here. 

 Where there are 



" To censure, many, 

 And but few to praise,'' 



a man wages fearful odds against his adversaries, such as none 

 but the most unequivocal merit can prevail against. That of 

 Audubon has prevailed, and his native country is, as she well 

 may be, proud of her son. He will hereafter find himself more 

 justly appreciated. It will give him pleasure to learn, that since 

 the recent publication of his " Ornithological Biography," the 

 American Philosophical Society has enrolled his name amongst 

 those of its members. We understand Mr. Audubon is soon ex- 

 pected from Europe, to pursue his investigations, and to complete 

 certain departments of his works. We hope on his arrival in his 

 native land, it will somewhat contribute to cheer his heart, to 

 know how much we admire and value his works, and how ready 

 we are to do justice to them. 



