LIFE OF WILSON. xcix 



that my own observations suggested, or that I have been ena- 

 bled to collect from those on whom I could rely. As it has fallen 

 to my lot to be the biographer of the feathered tribes of the 

 United States, I am solicitous to do full justice to every species; 

 and I would not conceal one good quality that any one of them 

 possesses. I have paid particular attention to the mocking-bird, 

 humming-bird, king-bird and cat-bird; all the principal traits 

 in their character I have delineated at full. If you have any 

 thing to add on either of them, I wish you would communicate 

 it in the*form of a letter, addressed particularly to me. Your fa- 

 vourable opinion of my work (if such you have) would, if pub- 

 licly known, be of infinite service to me, and procure me many 

 friends. * 



"I assure you, my dear friend, that this undertaking has 

 involved me in many difficulties and expenses which I never 

 dreamt of ;t and I have never yet received one cent from it. I 



* This instance of Wilson's diffidence of his own talents and acquirements 

 is too remarkable to be passed over without a note. He seemed to fear lest 

 the intrinsic merit of his work should not be sufficient, of itself, tog-etit into 

 notice; and therefore he solicited the favourable opinion of one, to whose 

 judgment in these matters, he felt assured, the public paid a deference. 

 Contrasted with this modest deportment, how contemptible is the vanity, and 

 self conceit, of those writers, who, whether they compose a superficial essay, 

 for the transactions of a learned society, or compile a bald and meager pam- 

 phlet, present themselves before the public with an air of importance, which 

 should seem to demand that countenance and applause, as a matter of right, 

 which true merit humbly requests as a favour. 



f The great expense of the publication prevented the author from giving 

 all his plates that finish which his taste and judgment would have approved; 

 but that in some instances extraordinary pains were bestowed upon them, a 

 cursory glance will render evident. I have Mr. Lawson's authority for assert- 

 ing 1 , that, so anxious was he to encourage his friend, frequently after compu- 

 ting" the time spent upon perfecting his work, he found liis reward did not 

 amount to more than fifty cents per day. 



From a note to this gentleman, I make the following- extract, relating to 

 the bald eagle : 



" I hope you go on courageously with the eagle; let no expense deter you 

 from giving it the freest and most masterly touches of your graver. I think 

 we shall be able to offer it as a competitor with the best that this country or 

 Europe can produce." 



