LIFE OF WILSON. XXXV 



many years of tranquillity and happiness are, I sincerely hope, 

 reserved for you. 



" I have been prevented from seeing you so long by the hur- 

 ry of a crowded school, which occupied all my hours of day- 

 light, and frequently half the others. The next quarter will 

 leave me time enough ; and, as there is no man living in whose 

 company I have more real satisfaction, I hope you will pardon 

 me if I now and then steal a little of your leisure. 



" I send for your amusement a few attempts at some of our 

 indigenous birds, hoping that your good nature will excuse 

 their deficiencies, while you point them out to me. I intended 

 to be the bearer of them myself, but having so many little ac- 

 counts to draw up before to morrow, I am compelled to plead 

 this as my excuse. I am almost ashamed to send you these 

 drawings; but I know your generous disposition will induce 

 you to encourage one in whom you perceive a sincere and ea- 

 ger wish to do well. They were chiefly coloured by candle- 

 light. 



" I have now got my collection of native birds considerably 

 enlarged; and shall endeavour, if possible, to obtain all the 

 smaller ones this summer. Be pleased to mark on the draw- 

 ings, with a pencil, the names of each bird, as, except three or 

 four, I do not know them. I shall be extremely obliged to you 

 for every hint that will assist me in this agreeable amusement. 



" I am very anxious to see the performances of your fair pu- 

 pil; and beg you would assure her from me that any of the 

 birds I have are heartily at her service. Surely Nature is pre- 

 ferable, to copy after, to the works of the best masters, though 

 perhaps more difficult; for I declare that the face of an owl, 

 and the back of a lark, have put me to a nonplus; and if Miss 

 Nancy will be so obliging as to try her hand on the last men- 

 tioned, I will furnish her with one in good order; and will 

 copy her drawing with the greatest pleasure; having spent al- 

 most a week on two different ones, and afterwards destroyed 

 them both, and got nearly in the slough of despond." 



