206 



AUDUBON 



■mw\ 



the Scottish Artists. I answered, "Yes." I have promised 

 to paint a picture of Black Cock for their exhibition, and 

 with that view went to market, where for fifteen shillings I 

 purchased two superb males and one female. I have been 

 painting pretty much all day and every day. Among my 

 visitors I have had the son of Smollett, the great writer, a 

 handsome young gentleman. Several noblemen came to 

 see my Pheasants, and all promised me a white one. Profes- 

 sor Russell called and read me a letter from Lord , 



giving me leave to see the pictures at his hall, but I, poor 

 Audubon, go nowhere without an invitation. 



Jamtary 22, Monday. I was painting diligently when 

 Captain Hall came in, and said : " Put on your coat, and 

 come with me to Sir Walter Scott; he wishes to see you 

 now!' In a moment I was ready, for I really believe my 

 coat and hat came to me instead of my going to them. 

 My heart trembled ; I longed for the meeting, yet wished 

 it over. Had not his wondrous pen penetrated my soul 

 with the consciousness that here was a genius from God's 

 hand ? I felt overwhelmed at the thought of meeting Sir 

 Walter, the Great Unknown. We reached the house, and 

 a powdered waiter was asked if Sir Walter were in.^ We 

 were shown forward at once, and entering a very small 

 room Captain Hall said : " Sir Walter, I have brought Mr. 

 Audubon." Sir Walter came forward, pressed my hand 

 warmly, and said he was " glad to have the honor of meet- 

 ing me." His long, loose, silvery locks struck me; he 

 looked like Franklin at his best. He also reminded me of 



1 "Jan. 22, 1827. A visit from Basil Hall with Mr. Audubon the orni 

 thologist, who has followed that pursuit by many a long wandering in the 

 American forests. He is an American by naturalization, a Frenchman by 

 birth, but less of a Frenchman than I have ever seen, — no dash, no glim- 

 mer or shine about him, but great simplicity of manners and behaviour; 

 slight in person and plainly dressed ; wears long hair which time h.\s not 

 yet tinged ; his countenance acute, handsome, and interesting, but ^ "' 

 plicity is the predominant characteristic." ( Journal of Sir Walter i^^oiti 

 vol. i., p. 343.) 



