M ^ 



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1 80 



AUDUBON 



is of unusual size, called "double elephant," and the 

 plates are to be finished in such superb style as to eclipse 

 all of the same kind in existence. The price of each 

 number, which will contain five prints, is two guineas, and 

 all individuals have the privilege of subscribing for the 

 whole, or any portion of it. The two plates now finished 

 are truly beautiful. This number consists of the Turkey- 

 cock, the Cuckoos on the pawpaws, and three small draw- 

 ings, which in the centre of the large sheet have a fine 

 effect, and an air of richness, that I think must ensure suc- 

 cess, though I do not yet feel assured that all will go well. 

 Yet on the other hand, all things bear a better aspect than 

 I expected to see for many months, if ever. I think that 

 if my work takes in Edinburgh, it will aijywhere. I have 

 strong friends here who interest themselves in me, but I 

 must wait patiently till the first number is finished. Mr. 

 Jameson, the first professor of this place, and the conductor 

 of the " Philosophical Journal," gives a beautiful announce- 

 ment of my work in the present number, with an account, 

 by me, of the Turkey Buzzard. Dr. Brewster also an- 

 nounces it, with the introductory letter to my work, and 

 Professor Wilson also, in " Blackwood's Magazine." These 

 three journals print upwards of thirty thousand copies, so 

 that my name will spread quickly enough. I am to deliver 

 lectures on Natural History at the Wernerian Society at 

 each of the meetings while I am here, and Professor 

 Jameson told me I should soon be made a member of all 

 the other societies here, and that would give my work a 

 good standing throughout Europe. Much as I find here 

 to enjoy, the great round of company I am thrown in has 

 become fatiguing to me in the extreme, nor does it agree 

 with my early habits. I go out to dine at six, seven, or 

 even eight o'clock in the evening, and it is often one or 

 two when the party breaks up ; then painting all day, with 

 my immense correspondence which increases daily, makes 

 my head feel like an immense hornet's-nest, and my 



