INTRODUCTION. xi 



Lodge, Esq, Dr Thackery, and many other gentlemen of 

 great learning and talent ; at the latter, with Dr Buckland, 

 Dr KiDD, and others. These Universities afforded me several 

 subscribers. 



In the summer of 1828, my friend Swainson and I went 

 to Paris, where I became acquainted with the great Cuviek, 

 Geoffroy St Hilaire, his son Isidore, M. Dorbigny, 

 and M. Lesson, as well as that master of flower-painters M. 

 Redoute', and other persons eminent in science and the arts. 

 Our time in Paris was usefully and agreeably spent. We were 

 gratified at the liberality with which every object that we de- 

 sired to examine in the great Museum of France was submitted 

 to our inspection. Many of our evenings were spent under the 

 hospitable roof of Baron Cuvier, where the learned of all coun- 

 tries usually assembled. Through the influence of my noble- 

 spirited friend M. Redoute', I was introduced to the Duke of 

 Ori-eans, now King of the French, and to several Ministers 

 of State. The hour spent with Louis Phit.lippe and his 

 Son, was, by their dignified urbanity, rendered one of the most 

 agreeable that has fallen to my lot ; and in consequence of that 

 interview I procured many patrons and friends. 



Returning to England, I spent the winter there, and in 

 April 1829, sailed for America. With what pleasure did I 

 gaze on each setting sun, as it sunk in the far distant west ! 

 with what delight did I mark the first wandering American bird 

 that hovered over the waters ! and how joyous were my feelings 

 when I saw a pilot on our deck ! I leaped on the shore, scour- 

 ed the woods of the Middle States, and reached Louisiana in 

 the end of November. Accompanied by my wife, I left New 

 Orleans on the 8th of January 1830, and sailing from New York 



