xxxii LIFE OF WILSON. 



the art of delineation. Mr. Bartram now advised a trial at 

 birds; and being tolerably skilful himself, exhibited his port- 

 folio, which was graced with many specimens from his own 

 hands. The attempt was made, and succeeded beyond the ex- 

 pectation of Wilson, or that of his friends. There was a ma- 

 gic in the employment which aroused all the energies of his 

 soul ; he saw, as it were, the day spring of a new creation ; and, 

 from being the humble follower of his instructors, he was soon 

 qualified to lead the way in the charming art of imitating the 

 works of the GREAT ORIGINAL. 



That Wilson likewise undertook the task of delineating flow- 

 ers, appears from the following note to Mr. Bartram, dated 

 Nov. 20th, 1803: 



" I have attempted two of those prints which Miss Nancy* 

 so obligingly, and with so much honour to her own taste, se- 

 lected for me. I was quite delighted with the anemone, but 

 fear I have made but bungling work of it. Such as they are I 

 send them for your inspection and opinion; neither of them is 

 quite finished. For your kind advice towards my improvement 

 I return my most grateful acknowledgments. 



" The duties of my profession will not admit me to apply to 

 this study with the assiduity and perseverance I could wish. 

 Chief part of what I do is sketched by candle-light; and for this 

 I am obliged to sacrifice the pleasures of social life, and the 

 agreeable moments which I might enjoy in company with you 

 and your amiable friend. I shall finish the other some time this 

 week; and shall be happy if what I have done merit your ap- 

 probation." 



As Wilson advanced in drawing, he made corresponding pro- 

 gress in the knowledge of Ornithology. He had perused the 

 works of some of the naturalists of Europe, who had written 

 on the subject of the birds of America, and became so disgust- 

 ed with their caricatured figures, fanciful theories, fables and 

 misrepresentations, that on turning, as he himself observes, 

 from these barren and musty records to the magnificent repo- 

 * Mr. Barlram's niece, now the consort of Col. Carr. 



