1 88 AUDUBON 



all, but listening to Mrs. Hall's sweet music. This bustle 

 does not suit me, I am not fitted for it, I prefer more sol- 

 itude in the woods. I left at last with young Gregg, but 

 I was the first to go, and we stepped out into the rainy 

 Sunday morning, for it was long, long past midnight, and 

 I hastened to my lodgings to commit murder, - -yes, to 

 commit murder; for the cats Mr. Daniel Lizars wished me 

 to paint had been sent, and good Mrs. Dickie much objected 

 to them in my rooms ; her son helped me, and in two min- 

 utes the poor animals were painlessly killed. I at once 

 put them up in fighting attitude, ready for painting when 

 daylight appeared, which would not be long. Good-night, 

 or good-morning; it is now nearly three o'clock. 



Sunday, December 17. I painted all day, that is, during 

 all the time I could see, and I was up at six this morning 

 writing by candle-light, which I was compelled to use till 

 nearly nine. Mr. Bridges called, and I dined at home on 

 fried oysters and stewed Scotch herrings, then went to 

 Mr. Lizars', where I nearly fell asleep ; but a cup of coffee 

 thoroughly awakened me, and I looked at some drawings 

 of birds, which I thought miserable, by Mr. Pelletier. Mr. 

 Lizars walked home with me to see my cats. 



Monday, December 18. My painting of two cats fight- 

 ing like two devils over a dead Squirrel was finished at 

 three o'clock. I had been ten hours at it, but should not 

 call it by the dignified title of " painting," for it is too rap- 

 idly done for the more finished work I prefer ; but I can- 

 not give more time to it now, and the drawing is good. I 

 dressed, and took the painting so I continue to call it 

 to Mrs. Lizars', who wished to see it, and it had rained so 

 hard all day she had not been able to come to my rooms. 

 At five I dined with George Combe, the conversation 

 chiefly phrenology. George Combe is a delightful host, 

 and had gathered a most agreeable company. At seven 

 Mr. Lizars called for me, and we went to the meeting of 

 the Royal Academy. Two of my plates were laid on the 



