C0MPI.I;TI0N O^ the 0RNITHOI.0GY lOI 



made an arrangement to explore the woods in the 

 vicinity along with him, and had promised to pro- 

 cure him some birds of which I had drawings in 

 my collection, but which he had never seen. 



'*It happened that he lodged at the same house 

 with us (at Louisville), but his retired habits, I 

 thought, exhibited either a strong feeling of discon- 

 tent, or a decided melancholy. The Scotch airs, 

 which he played sweetly on his flute, made me mel- 

 ancholy too, and I felt for him. Seeing that he was 

 all enthusiasm, I exerted myself as much as was in 

 my power to procure for him the specimens which 

 he wanted. We hunted together and obtained 

 birds which he had never before seen ; but. Reader, 

 I did not subscribe to his work, for even at that time 

 my collection was larger than his. * * * 

 Before many days elapsed, he left Louisville on his 

 way to New Orleans, little knowing how much his 

 talents were appreciated in our small town, at least 

 by myself and my friends." 



Wilson's own diary has the following entries 

 concerning his stay in Louisville: "March 19 — 

 Rambled round the town with my gun. Examined 

 Mr. Audubon's drawings in crayons. Very good. 

 Saw two new birds he had — ^both Matacillae." 

 "March 21 Went out this afternoon with Mr. A. 

 Saw a number of Sandhill Cranes. Pigeons num- 

 erous." "March 23 — Packed my things which I 

 left in care of a merchant here to be sent on to Lex- 

 ington; and having parted, with great regret with 

 my paroquet to the gentleman of the tavern, I bade 

 adieu to Louisville, to which place I had four letters 

 of introduction, and was taught to expect much of 



