Three Letters to Audubon's "Kentucky Lads" 17 



all details are agreeable, and were you and John to write to me for one 



week, I would thank 3^ou both. Now may God bless you and keep you 



well and happy. 



Believe that I am and ever will be, your most affectionate father and 



friend, t t a 



J. J. Audubon. 



THIRD LErrER 



Edinburgh, December 22, 1826. 



My dear Johnny: 



As I read 5'our letter it seems to me that I never felt the want of our 

 forests as much in my life as I do now; could I be but a moment with 

 you, I could return to my work here much refreshed. I hope in your 

 walks you collect acorns of all sorts, and other kinds of seeds, and send 

 them to Mrs. Rathbone, who is pleased to have them. 



I think if mamma is willing, you might use my gun if you are care- 

 ful of it, and keep it particularly clean. I am glad to know you are 

 drawing all you can, for j^our own sake and mine, and I should much 

 like to see your drawing of the Dove, which your mamma says is the 

 best you have done. Be very careful to measure exactly, and if there is 

 any error, begin afresh without delay; perseverance is needed in every- 

 thing, and in nothing more than drawing, and I hope to see great im- 

 provement in j^our work on my return. Besides drawing birds, draw 

 limbs and branches of all kinds of trees, and flowers, and keep a list of 

 the names of all the birds 3^ou see ; if you should not know the name by 

 any chance, write a brief description. I wish you to train yourself to 

 make regular memoranda respecting the habits, localities, etc., of birds 

 and quadrupeds. It is most useful, and memory sometimes plays us false. 



By this time Your mamma will have received the first impression from 

 the beautiful seal Mrs. Rathbone gave me. The seal is beautifully cut 

 and valuable to me on that account, as well as for the sake of the donor. 

 Would that I could hear the call of the Wild Turkey as I have so often 

 done, but, alas! I am too far away. 



I began this morning a painting in oil of fourteen Pheasants on the 

 wing, attacked by a fox, that I wish to send to the Royal Academy in 

 London next March, so will need to work hard with all else that must 

 be done, and the days are so short now that I can only paint from about 

 nine until half-past three, and I am often interrupted, but my writing 

 goes on until late in the night. Now I am going to dine with Sir 

 William Jardine at Barry's Hotel. 



My love to dearest mamma, and remember me kindly to all around you. 

 Believe me ever your affectionate father and friend, 



J. J. Audubon. 



