I02 Life of Audubon, 



discontinue this work. I had now determined to go to 

 Europe with my * treasures,' since I was assured nothing 

 so fine in the way of ornithological representations exist- 

 ed. I worked incessantly to complete my series of draw- 

 ings. On inquiry, I found Sully and Le Sueur made a 

 poor living by their brush. I had some pupils offered at 

 a dollar per lesson ; but I found the citizens unwilling to 

 pay for art, although they affected to patronize it. I ex- 

 hibited my drawings for a week, but found the show did 

 not pay, and so determined to remove myself. I was in- 

 troduced to Mr. Ensel of Boston, an entomologist, then 

 engaged upon a work on American spiders. Those in- 

 terested in Wilson's book on the American birds advised 

 me not to publish, and not only cold water, but ice, was 

 poured upon my undertaking. Had a visit from my old 

 partner Rosier, who was still thirsting for money. 



" May 30. My dear friend Joseph Mason paid me a 

 delightful visit to-day. Showed all my drawings to Titian 

 Peel, who in return refused to let me see a new bird in 

 his possession. This little incident filled me with grief at 

 the narrow spirit of humanity, and makes me wish for the 

 solitude of the woods. 



" yune 12. Giving lessons in drawing at thirty dollars 

 per month. A visit from Rembrandt Peale, who liked my 

 drawings, and asked me to his studio, where I saw his 

 portrait of General Washington, but preferred the style of 

 Sully. Had a visit from Mr. McMurtrie, the naturalist, 

 whose study of shells has made him famous. He ad- 

 vised me to take my drawings to England. I labor as- 

 siduously at oil painting. I have now been twenty-five 

 years pursuing my ornithological studies. Prince Canino 

 often visited me and admired my drawings. He advised 

 me to go to France. The French consul was still warmer 

 in his sympathies, and kind in his encouraging assur- 

 ances. 



