A MEETING OF RIVALS 221 



of a kind not usually seen in that part of the country ; a short 

 coat, trousers, and a waistcoat of grey cloth. His stature 

 was not above the middle size. He had two volumes under his 

 arm, and as he approached the table at which I was working, 

 I thought I discovered something like astonishment in his 

 countenance. He, however, immediately proceeded to disclose 

 the object of his visit, which was to procure subscriptions for 

 his work. He opened his books, explained the nature of his 

 occupations, and requested my patronage. 



I felt surprised and gratified at the sight of the volumes, 

 turned over a few of the plates, and had already taken a pen to 

 write my name in his favour when my partner rather abruptly 

 said to me in French, "My dear Audubon, what induces you to 

 subscribe to this work? Your drawings are certainly far better, 

 and again you must know as much of the habits of American 

 birds as this gentleman. " Whether Mr. Wilson understood 

 French or not, or if the suddenness with which I paused, disap- 

 pointed him, I cannot tell ; but I clearly perceived that he was 

 not pleased. Vanity and the encomiums of my friend prevented 

 me from subscribing. Mr. Wilson asked me if I had many draw- 

 ings of birds. I rose, took down a large portfolio, laid it on the 

 table, and shewed him, as I would show you, kind reader, or any 

 other person fond of such subjects, the whole of the contents, 

 with the same patience with which he had shewn me his own en- 

 gravings. 



His surprise appeared great, as he told me he never 

 had the most distant idea that any other individual than him- 

 self had been engaged in forming such a collection. He asked 

 me if it was my intention to publish, and when I answered in 

 the negative, his surprise seemed to increase. And, truly, such 

 was not my intention; for, until long after, when I met the 

 Prince of Musignano in Philadelphia, I had not the least idea 

 of presenting the fruits of my labours to the world. Mr. Wil- 

 son now examined my drawings with care, asked if I should 

 have any objections to lending him a few during his stay, to 

 which I replied that I had none : he then bade me good morn- 

 ing, not, however, until I had made an arrangement to explore 



