LIFE OF WILSON. clvii 



Bartram, a sight of it, and he was greatly delighted with its ap- 

 pearance. One of my friends read a great part of it in English 

 to him, and he was highly satisfied. * * * * 



"Dr. Barton has not yet published his General Zoology J 

 which he has been announcing, from time to time, for so many 

 years. It is much easier to say these things than do them. * * 



" Mr. Wm. Bartram is still as you left him, and you are fre- 

 quently the subject of our conversation at table. I have made 

 many extensive excursions lately, and have discovered, in all, 

 about forty new species of Land Birds, never taken notice of 

 by any other writer. I am now engaged on the Water Birds; 

 and had just returned yesterday from the seashore when your 

 letter was presented to me. Dr. H. and Mr. P. have both pub- 

 licly announced your work, but as no translation has been yet 

 made, it has not been reviewed by any of our writers. * * 



" Wishing you all the success which is justly due to the la- 

 bours, journies, and investigations, you have made in behalf of 

 Natural History, I remain, &c." 



In September, 1812, Wilson undertook a journey into the 

 eastern states, for the purpose of visiting his subscribers, and 

 settling accounts with his agents. 



TO MR. GEORGE ORD. 



Boston, October 13, 1812. 

 " Dear Sir, 



" It is not in my power at present to give you any thing 

 more than a slight sketch of my rambles since leaving Philadel- 



j- This work, which it was the intention of the late learned professor to en- 

 title " Elements of Zoology," after being- fen years in the press, was advanced 

 no further than fifty-six pages, in octavo, at the death of the author. It does 

 not appear that he left much manuscript matter in continuation, consequent- 

 ly the public will derive no benefit from a work, which is too incomplete for 

 publication. The printed sheets I have read, not only with satisfaction, but 

 instruction; and cannot forbear expressing my regret that an undertaking, 

 which Dr. Barton certainly knew how to perform, and to which his learning 

 was adequate, should have been suffered to perish in embryo. The art of 

 concentrating his talents, was one for which the professor was not greatly 

 distinguished. 



