86 LIFE OF AUDUBON; 



to pay for art, although they affected to patronize it. I ex- 

 hibited my drawings for a week, but found the show did not pay, 

 and so determined to remove myself. I was introduced to 

 Mr. Ensel of Boston, an entomologist, then engaged upon a work 

 on American spiders. Those interested in Wilson's book on the 

 American birds advised me not to publish, and not only cold 

 water, but ice, was poured upon my undertaking. Had a visit 

 from my old partner Eosier, who was still thirsting for money. 



"May 30. My dear friend Joseph Mason paid me a de- 

 lightful visit to-day. Showed all my drawings to Titian Peel, 

 who in return refused to let me see a new bird in his possession. 

 This little incident fills me with grief at the narrow spirit of 

 humanity, and makes me wish for the solitude of the woods. 



" JvMe 12. Giving lessons in drawing at thirty dollars per 

 month. A visit from Eembrandt Peel, who liked my drawings, 

 and asked me to his studio, where I saw his portrait of General 

 Washington, but preferred the style of Sully. Had a visit from 

 Mr. Murtrie, the naturalist, whose study of shells has made 

 him famous. He advised me to take my drawings to England. 

 I labour assiduously at oil painting. I have now been twenty- 

 five years pursuing my ornithological studies. Prince Canino 

 often visited me and admired my drawings. He advised me to 

 go to France, but he replied coldly to my application for aid to 

 carry out this purpose. The French consul was warmer in his 

 sympathies, and kind in his encouraging assurances. 



"June 26. Anxious to carry out my project of a visit to 

 Europe — anxious to see my wife before leaving — anxious to see 

 my old quarters of Mill Grove — anxious to get more instruction 

 from my kind master, Sully; and altogether unable to settle 

 what course would be the more preferable. I was rejoiced at 

 the progress I made in oil painting, and was overwhelmed 

 with the goodness of Sully, who would receive no recompense 

 for his instructions, and gave me all the possible encouragement 

 which his affectionate heart could dictate. 



" July 12. Visited by Mr. Gilpin, who thirty-three years ago 

 discovered the lead ore on Mill Grove. Called on Dr. Harlan, 

 an amiable physician and naturalist, and a member of the 

 Academy of Arts and Sciences. Gave him some of my draw- 

 ings, and he promised me letters to the Eoyal Academy of 



