202 Life of Audubon, 



when the bird in all its native grandeur, sat perched on 

 its eyrie the impersonation of freedom — the chosen em- 

 blem of our national glory. 



" That Audubon is not always properly appreciated, is 

 often illustrated ; therefore, criticism may be expected. 

 In the very community where Audubon lived he had, as 

 a naturalist, no real admirers. In the early days we 

 speak of, the people with whom he mingled were content 

 with a semi-weekly mail, and it was the custom for some 

 person who had a loud voice to read out to the crowd the 

 epitome of news from some popular northern weekly pa- 

 per. On one of these occasions the following item was 

 read: 



" * The Emperor Nicholas, in his recent trip from Eng- 

 land to Russia, occupied his leisure time in looking over 

 Audubon's great work on ornithology. The Emperor 

 was so delighted with what he saw, that he sent the great 

 naturahst a costly ring set with diamonds, as a mark of 

 his appreciation of the distinguished author.' 



" * What's that ? ' said one of the listeners, who was 

 noted for his slovenly dress and agrarian politics ; * what's 

 that ? Read that again.' 



" The request was complied with. 



" ' That's just my idea of these imperial Emperors j 

 they never have anything for a poor man, but give their 

 diamonds and gold to loafing cusses, who are too lazy to 

 work, and so make a living shooting little chippin-birds, 

 and then drawing their picters.' " 



He remained three months with his wife, but was 

 still actively employed. He hunted the woods for birds 

 and animals, and brought them home alive or freshly 

 killed, to draw from. There are several exquisite unfin- 

 ished deer-heads, in his great portfolio of unfinished 

 drawings, which were begun at that time. He drew also, 

 at this time, the picture of the " Black Vulture Attacking 



