Labors in Natural History. 137 



The friends had much to communicate to each 

 other. Occasionally, Bachman discovered a plant 

 or bird that had not been described, and mutual re- 

 joicings followed. 



He wrote enthusastically to his friend : 



My Dear Audubon " Your Second Volume is 

 decidedly superior to the first it is indeed beauti- 

 ful. The plates of the Water Birds do you credit. I 

 rejoice over them. You will reap fame, if not 

 wealth. Friend Audubon, you must not praise me 

 so much in your articles. I give you fair warning. 

 I have no objection to being referred to with regard 

 to the habits of some birds, but, anything more, 

 will induce me to score you well * 



Your references to your learned friend John Bach- 

 man, D. D.j are all humbug." 



In September 1836, a mild form of cholera was 

 prevailing in Charleston. Audubon had just re- 

 turned from Europe to America. 



CHARLESTON, Sept. 14th, 1836. 



My good old friend How greatly do we rejoice to 

 hear of your and John's safe arrival in America ; 

 although not a Prophet, you predicted the very day 

 of your arrival. There is no one whose society, in 

 these. days of anxiety and distress, would be more 

 dear to me, and prove a greater cordial to my de- 

 jected feelings, than yours, but as it is, we cannot see 

 you for several weeks to come. 



I received, yesterday, your first letter by mail, and 

 to-day, another by steamer. Your very fine dog 

 arrived safe, and is now kicking up a dust with 

 " Nell " in the yard, The latter is a perfect beauty 



