CHAPTEE XIII 



AUDUBON DISCOVERS THE GREAT EAGLE, THE BIRD OF 

 WASHINGTON THE EMBLEM OF THE REPUBLIC 



AUDUBON trained his eye to see in a bird what he seemed 

 unable to discern in any of the many affairs of his life. He 

 was not successful in business, but on a trading voyage on 

 the Mississippi he one day saw a sight which recalled him 

 to the fact that success lies along the line of one's inborn 

 inclinations. 



It was in February, 1814, a month which has all the 

 splendor of spring on the Mississippi. High in air was float- 

 ing a majestic bird sailing as it were in a purple sea. It 

 was the true American eagle. 



His heart bounded. He saw not only a magnificent 

 monarch of the air in the bird, but an emblem of inde- 

 pendence, of what the American Republic was and ought 

 to be among the nations of the earth. No bird disputed 

 his sway in the kingdom of the air. 



He was filled with ecstasy at the sight. He compares 

 his joy to that of Herschel when he discovered the planet 

 that bears his name. 



It was this discovery that had much influence in making 



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