82 AUDUBON THE NATURALIST. 



Audubon's ingenuity was put to the test, his 

 talents as an artist stood him in good stead. 

 While on the shores of Upper Canada, his money 

 was stolen from him by an adventurer, with all 

 the adroitness of a London pickpocket. To con- 

 tinue his journey without an increase to his few 

 remaining dollars would have been impossible ; 

 so putting his portfolio under his arm, and a 

 few good credentials in his pocket, on reaching 

 Meadville, he perambulated the principal streets, 

 in the hope that a little pardonable vanity in 

 his species, would favor his design, and induce 

 many a one to sit for his portrait. Looking to the 

 right and the left, he seemed examining the differ- 

 ent physiognomies with the critical gaze of a pain- 

 ter, till at length, meeting with what appeared a 

 likely subject, attitudinizing in a doorway, he 

 begged to be allowed to sit down, as he was 

 much fatigued. Keceiving an assent, he very 

 cunningly remained perfectly quiet, with his 

 portfolio in a prominent position, till at length, 

 the dandy asked " what was in that portfolio ?" 

 On exhibiting its contents, he was complimented 

 by the young Hollander, his companion, on the 

 execution of his drawings of birds and flowers, 

 when Audubon, showing him a very agreeable 

 sketch of a friend, asked if he would like such 

 a one of himself ? 



The Hollander not only assented, but promised 



