31' 



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1 88 



AUDUBON 



all, but listening to Mrs. Hall's sweet music. This bustle 

 does not suit me, I am not fitted for it, I prefer more sol- 

 itude in the woods. I left at last with young Gregg, but 

 I was the first to go, and we stepped out into the rainy 

 Sunday morning, for it was long, long past midnight, and 

 I hastened to my lodgings to commit murder, — yes, to 

 commit murder; for the cats Mr. Daniel Lizars wished me 

 to paint had been sent, and good Mrs. Dickie much objected 

 to them in my rooms ; her son helped me, and in two min- 

 utes the poor animals were painlessly killed. I at once 

 put them up in fighting attitude, ready for painting when 

 daylight appeared, which would not be long. Good-night, 

 or good-morning; it is now nearly three o'clock. 



Sunday, December 17. I painted all day, that is, during 

 all the time I could see, and I was up at six this morning 

 writing by candle-light, which I was compelled to use till 

 nearly nine. Mr. Bridges called, and I dined at home on 

 fried oysters and stewed Scotch herrings, then went to 

 Mr. Lizars*, where I nearly fell asleep; but a cup of coffee 

 thoroughly awakened me, and I looked at some drawings 

 of birds, which I thought miserable, by Mr. Pelletier. Mr. 

 Lizars walked home with me to see my cats. 



Monday^ December 18. My painting of two cats fight- 

 ing like two devils over a dead Squirrel was finished at 

 three o'clock. I had been ten hours at it, but should not 

 call it by the dignified title of " painting," for it is too rap- 

 idly done for the more finished work I prefer ; but I can- 

 not give more time to it now, and the drawing is good. I 

 dressed, and took the painting — so I continue to call it — 

 to Mrs. Lizars', who wished to see it, and it had rained so 

 hard all day she had not been able to come to my rooms. 

 At five I dined with George Combe, the conversation 

 chiefly phrenology. George Combe is a delightful host, 

 and had gathered a most agreeable company. At seven 

 Mr. Lizars called for me, and we went to the meeting of 

 the Royal Academy. Two of my plates were laid on the 



