I^he Prince of Canino. loi 



" April lo. I was introduced to the Prince Canino, 

 son of Lucien, and nephew of Napoleon Buonaparte, who 

 examined my birds, and was complimentary in his praises. 

 He was at the time engaged on a volume of American 

 birds, which was soon to be published ; but this did not 

 prevent him from admiring another naturalist's work. 



^^ April 12. Met the prince at Dr. Mease's, and he 

 expressed a wish to examine my drawings more particu- 

 larly. I found him very gentlemanly. He called in his 

 carriage, took me to Peale, the artist, who was drawing 

 specimens of birds for bis work ; but from want of knowl- 

 edge of the habits of birds in a wild state, he represented 

 them as if seated for a portrait, instead of with their own 

 lively animated ways when seeking their natural food or 

 pleasure. Other notable persons called to see my draw- 

 ings, and encouraged me with their remarks. The Prince 

 of Canino introduced me to the Academy of Arts and 

 Sciences, and pronounced my birds superb, and worthy 

 of a pupil of David. I formed the acquaintance of Le 

 Sueur, the zoologist and artist, who was greatly delighted 

 with my drawings. 



" April 14. After breakfast met the prince, who called 

 with me on Mr. Lawson, the engraver of Mr. Wilson's 

 plates. This gentleman's figure nearly reached the roof, 

 his face was sympathetically long, and his tongue was so 

 long that we obtained no opportunity of speaking in his 

 company. Lawson said my drawings were too soft, too 

 much like oil paintings, and objected to engrave them. 

 Mr. Fairman we found to be an engraver better able to 

 appreciate my drawings, but he strongly advised me to go 

 to England, to have them engraved in a superior manner. 



'■''April 15. I obtained a room, and commenced work 

 in Earnest. Prince Canino engaged me to superintend 

 his drawings intended for publication, but my terms be- 

 ing much dearer than Alexander Wilson's, I was asked to 



