CHAPTER XIIL 



Return to London — Sets Sail for America — Arrival — Friends it. 

 New York. 



ONDON, Nov. 9. This is an eventful day in 

 the history of my great work on the Birds of 

 America. Mr. Havell has taken the draw- 

 ings which are to form the eleventh number, and it will 

 be the first number for the year 1829. I wished several 

 numbers to be engraved as soon as possible, for rea- 

 sons which, if known to thee, Lucy, would fill thy heart 

 with joy. 



''^November 10. I am painting as much as the short 

 days will allow j but it is so very cold to my south- 

 ern constitution, that I am freezing on the side farthest 

 from the fire. I have finished two pictures for the 

 Duke of Orleans^one of the grouse, with which I re- 

 gret to part without a copy, though I have taken the 

 outline. 



'-^ December 2^^. After so long an absence from thee, 

 my dear Book, it will be difficult to write up a connected 

 record of intervening events, but I will try and recall 

 what is worth recording. My main occupation has been 

 painting every day. I have finished my two large pic- 

 tures of the Eagle and the Lamb, and the Dog and the 

 Pheasants, and now, as usual, can scarce bear to look at 

 them. My amiable pupil, Miss Hudson, has kept me 

 company, and her pencil has turned some of my draw- 



