LOUISVILLE. 13 



tlie irritating remarks of some well-meaning 

 friends, who, ignorant of his genius, and deaf to 

 its charmed voice, opposed the prosecution of his 

 pursuits. Doubtless, he was not only admon- 

 ished, but censured as heedless of interest and of 

 du.ty. Happily he found solace in the sympathy 

 of the chosen companion of his life, who, during 

 the solitude of separation, also found /ler conso- 

 lation in the sustaining conviction of the nobility 

 and worth of an affection like that of Audubon's, 

 ever unaltered by trial. 



To Louisville, one of his favourite abiding 

 places, Audubon repaired immediately after his 

 marriage. It was situated .on the banks of La 

 Belle Riviere. Graced by the famed rapids of 

 the Ohio leaping over their rocky beds — by the 

 mountains of the Silver Hills, bounding on the 

 opposite side a Swiss-like view, miles in extent. 



On the north, one of the many beautiful streams 

 which adorn the State is the Beargrass Creek, 

 loitering through a shady wood of majestic 

 beeches, interspersed with walnuts, oaks, elms, 

 and ashes, which extend on either side its course. 

 It was the resort of many a lounger in the balmy, 

 sunny days of that climate, and it was also a 

 favoured spot in the country, for the celebration 

 of the great day of the American people, the 

 Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. 



Then in the warmth of summer, when har- 

 2 



