Preparing for the Synod. 157 



down to an honest Captain, who promised to spare 

 no pains or expense to procure the Flamingoes. I 

 think that we shall certainly succeed ; and, in good 

 time, the Flamingoes will reach you. Sister Maria 

 found your drawing of the Marsh -hen, sent it in a tin 

 box through Mr. Berth aud, with the egg of the 

 Flamingo. 



Poor Captain Coste lost a whole barrel of birds 

 in rum, overboard in a gale. He brought, however, 

 safely, another containing two large White Herons 

 Louisiana Herons, several Terns, and Florida 

 Cormorants, which will go by the " Nimrod," with a 

 couple of Red-headed Vultures. 



This moment, daughter Maria's letter arrived ; the 

 girls are devouring it, and I shall wait awhile 

 patiently till my turn comes. 



The Synod of my Church is about to meet. 

 They are scouring and scrubbing and white-wash- 

 ing. They have turned me out of the Study to put 

 it to rights ; and have put my books and papers in 

 elegant confusion. 



Send me some bird-lime, I want to replace the 

 birds intended for Earl Derby, which were, lost 011 

 the passage. If you can conveniently procure three 

 Pheasants send them further this deponent saith 

 not, * * * * 



Sister Maria, says she commenced a letter to you 

 to-day, (I have my doubts), but had no time to 

 finish it ; she has been putting up curtains and 

 other nick-nacks to accommodate some old bachelor 

 parsons, who will soon be with us to grace our 

 drawing-room. Love to Mrs. Audubon, Maria and 

 John. Good night. 



J. B. 



