LIFE OF WILSON. cli 



Sylva, in Paris, with coloured plates. I expect them here 

 soon. 



" I collected a number of entire new species in my south- 

 western tour; and in my return I visited several of the islands 

 off the Florida shore, where I met with some very curious land 

 birds. 



" Mr. Dunbar, of Natchez, remembered you very well, and 

 desired me to carry his good wishes to you." 



TO MR. WM. DUNCAN, FRANKFORD, PENN. 



Philadelphia, February 12, 1811. 



" So you have once more ascended the preceptor's rostrum, 

 to wield the terrors of the taws and hickory. Trying as this 

 situation is, and various and distracting as its avocations some- 

 times undoubtedly are, it is elysium to the scenes which you 

 have lately emerged from; and as far transcends these latter, as 

 honourable independence towers above despised and insulted 

 servitude. You wish me to suggest any hints I may think 

 proper for your present situation. Your own experience and 

 prudence render any thing I could advise unnecessary, as it is 

 all included in the two resolutions which you have already ta- 

 ken; first, to distinguish, as clearly as possible, the whole ex- 

 tent of your duty; and, secondly, to fulfil every item of that to 

 the best of your abilities. Accordingly, the more extensive 

 and powerful these are, the greater good you will be capable 

 of doing; the higher and more dignified will your reputation 

 be; and the easier and calmer will your deportment be, under 

 every circumstance of duty. You have but these two things 

 to surmount, and the whole routine of teaching will become an 

 agreeable amusement; and every closing day will shed over 

 your mind that blissful tranquillity, " which nothing earthly 

 gives or can destroy." 



" Devote your whole time, except what is proper for need- 

 ful exercise, to rendering yourself completely master of your 

 business. For this purpose rise by the peep of dawn; take 

 your regular walk; and then commence your stated studies. 



