The Louvre, 1 65 



" September 9. Went to the Jardin du Roi, where I met 

 young GeofFroy, who took me to a man who stuffs birds 

 for the Prince d'Essling. He told me the Prince had a 

 copy of my work (probably Wilson's or Selby's), and 

 said he would subscribe if I would call on him to-mor- 

 row with him. After this I walked around the boule- 

 vards, looking at the strange things I saw there, thinking 

 of my own strange life, and how wonderful my present 

 situation in the land of my father and ancestors. From 

 here I went to the Louvre, and as I was about to pass the 

 gates of the Tuileries, a sentinel stopped me, saying no 

 one could enter there with a fur cap. I went to another 

 gate, and passed without challenge, and went to the 

 Grand Gallery. There, among the .Raphaels, and Cor- 

 reggios, Titians, Davids, and thousands of others, 1 

 feasted my eyes and enlarged my knowledge. From 

 there I made my way to the Institut de France, and by 

 appointment presented my prospectus to the secretary of 

 the library. There I met young Geoffroy, an amiable 

 and learned young man, who examined my work, paid 

 me every attention, and gave me a room to myself for the 

 inspection of specimens and to write in. How very dif- 

 ferent from the public institutions in England, where, 

 instead of being bowed to, you have to bow to every one. 

 The porters, clerks, and secretaries had all received orders 

 to do everything I required, and I was looked upon with 

 the greatest respect. I have now run the gauntlet of 

 Europe, Lucy, and may be proud of two things — that I 

 am considered the first ornithological painter and the V 

 first practical naturalist of America ! 



" September 10. Called on the bird-stuffer of the Prince 

 d'Essling, who proposed to take me to the Prince's town 

 residence. We were conducted into his museum, which 

 surpasses in magnificence, and in the number of rare 

 specimens of birds, shells, and books, all I have yei 



