Wilson, the Ornithologist. 31 



his arm, and as he approached the table at which I was 

 working, I thought I discovered something like astonish 

 ment in his countenance. He, however, immediately 

 proceeded to disclose the object of his visit, which was to 

 procure subscriptions for his work. He opened his books, 

 explained the nature of his occupations, and requested 

 my patronage. I felt surprised and gratified at the sight 

 of his volumes, turned over a few of the plates, and had 

 already taken a pen to write my name in his favor, when 

 my partner rather abruptly said to me, in French, ' My 

 dear Audubon, what induces you to subscribe to this 

 work ? Your drawings are certainly far better ; and 

 again, you must know as much of the habits of American 

 birds as this gentleman.' Whether Mr. Wilson under- 

 stood French or not, or if the suddenness with which I 

 paused, disappointed him, I cannot tell ; but I clearly 

 perceived that he was not pleased. Vanity and the 

 encomiums of my friend prevented me from subscribing. 

 Mr. Wilson asked me if I had many drawings of birds. 

 I rose, took down a large portfolio, laid it on the table, 

 and showed him, as I would show you, kind reader, or 

 any other person fond of such subjects, the whole of the 

 contents, with the same patience with which he had 

 shown me his own engravings. His surprise appeared 

 great, as he told me he never had the most distant idea 

 that any other individual than himself had been engaged 

 in forming such a collection. He asked me if it was my 

 intention to publish, and when I answered in the 

 negative, his surprise seemed to increase. And, truly, 

 such was not my intention ; for, until long after, when I 

 met the Prince of Musignano in Philadelphia, I had not 

 the least idea of presenting the fruits of my labors to the 

 world. Mr. Wilson now examined my drawings with 

 care, asked if I should have any objections to lending 

 him a Few during his stay, to which I replied that I had 



