Three Letters to Audubon's " Kentucky Lads " 15 



rode outside to have better views of the country I traveled through ; 

 now and then I saw some fine EngHsh Pheasants that you would delight 

 in shooting, also some curious small sheep with black heads and feet, the 

 rest white, and some of those pretty little ponies you are so fond of; I 

 wish I could send you one. 



Before I left Manchester I visited Matlock, Bakewell and Buxton, all 

 watering places. I drove in a carriage with Mrs. Rathbone and her 

 daughter; the latter purchased and sends you a beautiful little black box 

 of Matlock marble, or spar, and Mrs. Rathbone sends your good mamma 

 an inkstand of the same material. I was very much interested in all the 

 places I saw and wished very much that 3'ou, mamma and Victor had 

 been with me to enjoy the journey. 



Today I have visited the Royal Palace of Holyrood, was in the rooms 

 of Queen Mary of Scotland, and saw her bed, chairs and tables. I 

 looked at my face in the mirror that once was hers, and I was in the 

 little room where the murder of Rizzio was committed. I also saw the 

 chapel where the Queen was married to Lord Darnley. It was all very 

 curious and very interesting. The apartments where the present king of 

 France resided during his exile were also shown to me, and the fine 

 rooms where George the Fourth was, four years ago, when he visited 

 Scotland. 



The women of the poorer class work very hard here, and carry heavy 

 burdens, just as our squaws do in Louisiana, in a large basket behind, 

 and a leather strap coming from it over their foreheads. 



I bought for your dear mamma eighteen views of different parts of 

 the city that I will send when I make up another box. In a day or so 

 I will go to Roslyn Castle, and afterwards to Melrose to see the chapel 

 and to call on Sir Walter Scott, the great novelist, some of whose books 

 we have enjoyed together. 



I hope you are good and obedient, and are improving in your draw- 

 ing. Draw as much as you can, and study your music also, as men of 

 talents are welcome all over the world. Two hours daily is little enough 

 for you to give to your violin if you intend to become proficient in the 

 handling of that instrument, and more would be better. 



When you write to me tell me of all your occupations and write me 

 a long letter. Mr. Bentley, of Manchester, will write to you for bird- 

 skins; these you know how to prepare well, and I need not remind you 

 to do your work carefully, and in return Mr. Bentley will send you some 

 books. 



I send my love to your mamma; remember me to little Charles, 

 Bourgeat and all, and believe me for ever your most affectionate father 

 and friend, 



J. J. Audubon. 



