44 IN THE DAYS OF AUDUBON 



The herbman clapped his hands together with a child- 

 ish delight, and said: 



" I have a letter of introduction to you." 

 The herbman handed the letter to Audubon, and the 

 latter read it to his great astonishment. It was as follows: 



" MY DEAR AUDUBON : I send you an odd fish, which 

 may prove to be undescribed. If so, I hope that you will 

 let me have an account in your next letter. 



" Believe me, always your friend, 



" B." 



" But," asked Audubon, " where is the odd fish that our 

 friend has sent me? " 



" I am that odd fish, Mr. Audubon." 



"You! Let me send to your boat for your bag- 

 gage!" 



" Bless you, I have no baggage only what I carry on my 

 back. I am a botanist. I am always looking for some- 

 thing new." 



At home with Audubon, the " odd fish " began to ex- 

 amine the naturalist's portfolios for a new herb. 



His eye fell upon one that he thought was new. The 

 sight filled him with delight. 



"That herb is not new," said Audubon. "It grows 

 here." 



"^ T o, no!" 



" I will show you one to-morrow." 



