Visit to the Provinces, 159 



then the best ornithological publication of the birds of 

 my beloved country would be produced. I cannot tell 

 you how it strikes me, when I am at Bonaparte's lodg- 

 ings, to hear his servant call him * Your Royal Highness.* 

 I think it ridiculous in the extreme, and cannot imagine 

 how good Charles can bear it ; but probably he does 

 bear it because he is Good Charles. 



'^ ^uly 2. I am so completely out of spirits, that I 

 have several times opened my book, held the pen, and 

 felt anxious to write ; but all in vain j I am too dull, too 

 mournful. 



" I have given the copy of my first number of the 

 Birds to Mr. Children, a proof : it is the only one in ex- 

 istence, for which he paid me the price of all the sub- 

 scribers, i. e., two guineas, and I may say with safety 

 that the two guineas are the only two I have had on ac- 

 count of that work. I have finished another picture of 

 the Rabbits, and am glad of it ; it is all my consolation. 

 I wish I were out of London." 



But it does not appear that Audubon's despondency 

 lasted very long. He dispelled it by a sudden rush into 

 the provinces, where he was well received by former 

 friends. From an entry made at Leeds on September 30, 

 it is clear that even in London the sun had begun to 

 shine out again. 



" Nearly three months since I touched one of the 

 sheets of my dear book. And I am quite ashamed of it, 

 for I have had several interesting incidents to record, 

 well deserving of relation, even in my poor humble style 

 — a style much resembling my painting in oil. Now, 

 nevertheless, I will recapitulate and note down as quick- 

 ly as possible the primary ones. 



" I. I removed the publication of my ornithological 

 work from Edinburgh to London ; from Mr. Lizars to 

 Mr. Robert Havell, No. 79 Newman street \ because at 



