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292 



AUDUBON 



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the roof of a tavern keeper known by the name of J. E. 

 Smith, at the sign of the Traveller's Rest, and soon after 

 took a walk to survey the little village that was to be laid 

 under contribution for our further support. Its appear- 

 ance was rather dull, but, thanks to God, I have never 

 despaired while rambling thus for the sole pi-rpose of 

 admiring his grand and beautiful works. I had opened the 

 case that contained my drawings, and putting my portfolio 

 under my arm, and a few good credentials in my pocket, 

 walked up Main Street, looking to the right and left, exam- 

 ining the different Jieads which occurred, until I fixed my 

 eyes on a gentleman in a store who looked as if he might 

 want a sketch. I begged him to allow me to sit down. 

 This granted, I remained purposely silent until he very 

 soon asked me what was " in that portfolioy These three 

 words sounded well, and without waiting another instant, I 

 opened it to his view. This was a Hollander, who compli- 

 mented me much on the execution of the drawings of birds 

 and flowers in my portfolio. Showing him a sketch of the 

 best friend I have in the world at present, I asked him if 

 he would like one in the same style of himself He not 

 only answered in the affirmative, but assured me that he 

 would exert himself in procuring as many more customers 

 as he could. I thanked him, be assured, kind reader; and 

 having fixed upon the next morning for drawing the sketch, 

 I returned to the Traveller's Rest, with a hope that to- 

 morrow might prove propitious. Supper was ready, and 

 as in America we generally ha 'e but one sort of table 

 d'hdte, we sat down, wl:en, cv-v.y individual looking upon 

 me as a missionary priest, oa ac". junt of my hair, which in 

 those days flowed loosely on my shoulders, I was asked 

 to say grace, which I did with a fervent spirit. 



Daylight returned. I visited the groves and woods 

 around with my companion, returned, breakfasted, and 

 went to the store, where, notwithstanding my ardent desire 

 to begin my task, it was ten o'clock before the sitter was 

 ready. But, reader, allow me to describe the artist's room. 



