9'4' LIFE OF AUDUBON. 



The sketches were soon finished, and the breakfast over. I 

 played a few airs on my flageolet while our guide was putting 

 the horses to the cart, and by ten o'clock we were once more on 

 the road to Meadville. 



"The country was covered with heavy timber, principally 

 evergreens ; the pines and cucumber trees, loaded with brilliant 

 fruits, and the spruce^ throwing a shade over the land, in good 

 keeping with the picture. The lateness of the crops alone 

 struck us as unpleasant. At length we came in sight of French 

 Creek, and soon after we reached Meadville. Here we paid the 

 five dollars promised to our conductor, who instantly faced 

 about, and applying the whip to his nags bade us adieu. 



"We had now only one hundred and fifty cents. No time was 

 to be lost. We put our luggage and ourselves under the roof 

 of a tavern-keeper, known by the name of J. F. Smith, at the 

 sign of the 'Travellers' Best,' and soon after took a walk to 

 survey the little village that was to be laid under contribution 

 for our support. Putting my portfolio under my arm, and a 

 few good credentials in my pocket, I walked up the main 

 street, looking to the right and left, examining the different 

 heads which occurred, until I fixed my eyes on a gentleman in 

 a store who looked as if he might want a sketch. I begged him 

 to allow me to sit down. This granted, I remained perfectly 

 silent, and he soon asked me what was in that 'portfolio.' 

 The words sounded well, and without waiting another instant I 

 opened it to his view. He was a Hollander, who complimented 

 me on the execution of the drawings of birds and flowers in my 

 portfolio. Showing him a sketch of the best friend I have in 

 the world at present, I asked him if he would like one in the 

 same style of himself? He not only answered in the affirma- 

 tive, but assured me that he would exert himseK in procuring 

 as many more customers as he could. I thanked him, and 

 returned to the ' Travellers' Best ' with a hope that to-morrow 

 might prove propitious. Supper was ready, and we began our 

 meal. I was looked on as a missionary priest, on account of 

 my hair, which in those days flowed loosely on my shoulders. 

 I was asked to say grace, which I did with a fervent spirit. 

 Next morning I visited the merchant, and succeeded in making 

 a sketch of him that pleased him highly. While working at 



