74 Life of Audubon. 



had a history of Natchez, as he had lived to witness the 

 career of that town under the Spaniards, French, and 

 Americans." 



In connection with his residence in Natchez he tells 

 a significant story. A companion of his, voyaging, hav- 

 ing worn his shoes down, had no money to get them re- 

 paired or to purchase new ones. The naturalist was 

 likewise without the means ; but Audubon called upon a 

 shoemaker, explained that his friend was in want of shoes, 

 had no money to pay for them, but that if he chose he 

 should have the portrait of himself and his wife in return 

 for two pairs of boots. The shoemaker was satisfied with 

 the proposal, and the portraits were sketched in a couple 

 of hours, after which the naturalist and his friend bade 

 the shoemaker good-bye, each being fitted with new boots. 

 After some stay in Natchez, Audubon left for New Or- 

 leans with his friend Berthoud, in a keel-boat belonging 

 to the latter, but which was taken in tow of the steamer. 

 Not long after leaving, Audubon discovered that one of 

 his portfolios, containing some drawings of birds he prized 

 highly, was missing. Full of chagrin, he could only 

 recollect that he had brought it to the wharf and had 

 placed it in the hands of a servant, who had evidently 

 forgotten to put it on board the keel-boat. How to re- 

 cover it was a serious consideration. Letters were in- 

 stantly despatched to M. Gamier, M. Carr^, and friends 

 of Berthoud, to use their utmost endeavors to recover the 

 lost portfolio. After towing as far as Bayou Sara, the 

 steamer threw off the keel-boat, and with the aid of the 

 current and the oars Audubon continued his course to 

 Baton Rouge, on the way to New Orleans. Large flocks 

 of beautiful ducks were passed in various eddies, and the 

 naturalist was amused by groups of negroes catching 

 catfish in the river or scooping out shrimps with their 

 nets. 



