x INTRODUCTION. 
wife. But why should | say more? This fine specimen of | 
human nature, eminent for every virtue, this kind and ge- 
nerous friend, is BENJAMIN PHiLiies, Esq. 
Having been long anxious to introduce into America se- 
veral species of European birds, which I thought might thrive 
with us, { purchased about an hundred individuals of that 
delightful songster, the Sky Lark, fifty Starlings, and several 
Jays and Wood Pigeons, intending to set them loose in the 
Western States. Putting them in ample cages, accompanied 
with a store of food for the voyage, I had them sent on board 
in the London Docks; but on our reaching Portsmouth by 
land, we heard that the weather had been very bad in the 
Channel, and that our birds had suffered severely. The news, 
to my vexation, proved true; many of the birds had died ; 
and, although our passage to New York was pleasant as well 
as speedy, very few were landed, so that my hopes were en- 
tirely disappointed. 
On the Ist of August 1836, we went on board the fine 
American Packet Ship, the Gladiator, commanded by Tuomas 
Britton, Esq. and proceeded on our voyage, which proved 
agreeable. On arriving at New York, we soon reached the 
house of my good friend and brother-in-law NicHotas BrEr- 
THouD, Esq. Leaving my son there, I proceeded almost imme- 
diately to Boston, where, under the roof of my generous friend 
Dr Grorce C. Suarruck, I enjoyed life for a while. My friend 
Dr GrorGE PARKMAN was absent, and I missed him much. 
Here, through the kindness of Dr Suarruck, [I procured two 
subscribers, and formed acquaintance with THomas M. Brewer, 
Esq., from whom I have received may valuable services, which 
you will find mentioned in the proper places. Pushing on to 
