LIFE OF WILSON. Ixxi 



European, the latter being destitute of the black head, neck and 

 shoulders of ours. Latham calls it carolinensis, but it is as much 

 an inhabitant of Pennsylvania and New York as Carolina. The 

 small red-bellied sitta is called canadensis by Latham, a name 

 equally objectionable with the other. Turdus minor seems also 

 improper; in short I consider this part of the business as pecu- 

 liarly perplexing; and I beg to have your opinion on the matter, 

 particularly with respect to the birds I have mentioned, whether 

 I shall hazard a new nomenclature, or, by copying, sanction 

 what I do not approve of. 



" I hope you are in good health, enjoying in your little Para- 

 dise the advances of spring, shedding leaves, buds and blossoms, 

 around her; and bringing in her train choirs of the sweetest 

 songsters that earth can boast of; while every zephyr that plays 

 around you breathes fragrance. Ah ! how different my situation 

 in this delightful season, immured among musty books, and 

 compelled to forego the harmony of the woods for the everlast- 

 ing din of the city; the very face of the blessed heavens involv- 

 ed in soot, and interrupted by walls and chimney tops. But if 

 I don't lanch out into the woods and fields oftener than I have 

 done these twelvemonths, may I be transformed into a street 

 musician. " (The remainder of the MS. defaced. ) 



All things being happily arranged, Wilson applied himself to 

 his varied and extensive duties with a diligence which scarcely 

 admitted repose; until finding his health much impaired there- 

 by, he was induced to seek the benefits of relaxation, in a pe- 

 destrian journey through a part of Pennsylvania; which afforded 

 him a favourable opportunity of procuring specimens of birds; 

 and some additional information relating to them, of which he 

 was very desirous to be possessed. This excursion was made 

 in the month of August, 1807; and on his return he engaged in 

 his avocations with renewed ardour; devoting every moment, 

 which could be spared from his editorial duties, to his great 

 work. 



At length in the month of September, 1808, the first volume 

 of the " AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY" made its appearance. From 



