coMPivETioN 0? the; ornithoIvOGy 115 



ordinary service which Wilson performed for 

 science in presenting among the two hundred and 

 seventy-eight species of birds which he had de- 

 scribed, forty-eight entirely new ones. Ord was 

 of the opinion that the "Ornithology" presented 

 fifty-six* which had been hitherto undescribed. 



Perhaps it is safe to say that Wilson's place as 

 the greatest American Ornithologist is disputed 

 only by Audubon, and how vastly different were 

 their advantages ! Audubon worked when one 

 might travel with comparative facility, and he not 

 only had the assistance which was to be gained 

 from Wilson's work itself, but he also entered 

 into the fruits of Wilson's labors to awaken in- 

 terest in ornithology. With all the advantages 

 of education also, which an indulgent and thrifty 

 father could offer him, among which was the time 

 spent under the French artist, David, he had 

 everything to help him surpass in his ultimate 

 achievements the work of the poverty-shackled 

 and self-educated Scotchman. Had Wilson's for- 

 ty-eight years been stretched to Audubon's sev- 

 enty-six, through the days of prosperity and ap- 

 probation which his books would have brought 

 him. the result of his labors might have been ten- 

 fold greater. John Burroughs in his life of Audu- 

 bon compares him thus with Wilson : "His draw- 

 ings have far more spirit and artistic excellence, 

 and his text shows more enthusiasm and hearty 

 affiliation with nature. In accuracy of observation 

 Wilson is fully his equal if not his superior." Of 



* Mr. John Burroughs accepts the original figures also, viz, three 

 hundred and twenty species described, of which fifty-six were new. 



