Clxvi LIFE OF WILSON. 



pense of procuring materials, and other unavoidable expendi- 

 tures, Wilson's only resource, as has been stated, was in co- 

 louring the plates. 



In the preface to the fifth volume he observes: " The publi- 

 cation of an original work of this kind, in this country, has 

 been attended with difficulties, great, and, it must be confessed, 

 sometimes discouraging to the author, whose only reward 

 hitherto has been the favourable opinion of his fellow-citizens, 

 and the pleasure of the pursuit. 



" Let but the generous hand of patriotism be stretched forth 

 to assist and cherish the rising arts and literature of our coun- 

 try, and both will most assuredly, and that at no remote peri- 

 od, shoot forth, increase and flourish, with a vigour, a splen- 

 dour and usefulness, inferior to no other on earth." 



We have here an affirmation that the author had laboured 

 without reward, except what was conferred by inefficient praise; 

 and an eloquent appeal to the generosity and patriotism of his 

 fellow-citizens. Seven illustrious cities disputed the honour 

 of having given birth to the Prince of Epic song. Philadel- 

 phia first beheld that phenomenon, the " American Ornitholo- 

 gy," rising amidst her boasted opulence, to vindicate the claims 

 of a calumniated portion of creation; and to furnish her literary 

 pride with a subject of exultation for ages to come. Yet duty 

 calls upon us to record a fact, which may cause our native city 

 to feel the glow of shame. Of all her literati, her men of be- 

 nevolence, taste and riches, SEVENTY only, to the period of the 

 author's decease, had the liberality to countenance him by a 

 subscription, more than half of whom were tradesmen, artists, 

 and persons of the middle class of society; whilst the little city 

 of New Orleans, in the short space of seventeen days, furnish- 

 ed SIXTY subscribers to the " American Ornithology!" 



Wilson was possessed of the nicest sense of honour. In all 

 his dealings he was not only scrupulously just, but highly ge- 

 nerous. His veneration for truth was exemplary. His dispo- 

 sition was social and affectionate. His benevolence was exten- 

 sive. He was remarkably temperate in eating and drinking, 



