54 LOOKING FOR " HEADS." 



that was to be laid under contribution for their 

 further support. " Its appearance," says Audubon, 

 " was rather dull ; but, thanks to God, I have never 

 despaired, while rambling thus, for the sole purpose 

 of admiring His grand and beautiful works. I had 

 opened the case that contained my drawings, and 

 putting my portfolio under my arm, and a few good 

 credentials in my pocket, walked up Main Street, 

 looking to the right and left, examining the different 

 heads which occurred, until I fixed my eyes on a 

 gentleman in a store, who looked as if he might 

 want a sketch. I begged him to allow me to sit 

 down. This granted, I remained purposely silent, 

 until he very soon asked me what was ' in that 

 portfolio.' These three words sounded well, and 

 without waiting another instant, I opened it to his 

 view. This was a Hollander, who complimented 

 me much on the execution of the drawings of birds 

 and flowers in my portfolio. Showing him a sketch 

 of a friend, I asked him if he would like one in the 

 same style of himself. He not only answered in 

 the affirmative, but assured me that he would exert 

 himself in procuring as many more customers as 

 he could. I thanked him, and having fixed upon 

 the next morning for drawing the sketch, I re- 

 turned to the ' Traveller's Rest,' with the hope that 

 to-morrow might prove propitious. Supper was 

 ready, and as in America we have generally but 



