16Si LIFE OF AUDUBON. 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 



Return to London — Hard at Work — Sets Sail for America. 



" London, Nov. 9. This is an eventful day in the history of my 

 great work on the Birds of America. Mr. Havell has taken the 

 drawings which are to form the eleventh number, and it will 

 be the first number for the year 1829. I wished several 

 numbers to be engraved as soon as possible, for reasons which, 

 if known to thee, Lucy, would fill thy heart with joy. 



" November 10. I am painting as much as the short days wiU 

 allow ; but it is so very cold to my southern constitution, that 

 I am freezing on the side farthest from the fire. I have finished 

 two pictures for the Duke of Orleans — one of the grouse, which 

 I regret to part with without a copy, though I have taken the 

 outline. 



" December 23. After so long an absence from thee, my dear 

 Book, it will be difficult to write up a connected record of 

 intervening events, but I will try and recall what is worth 

 recording. My main occupation has been painting every 

 day. I have finished my two large pictures of the Eagle 

 and the Lamb, and the Dog and the Pheasants, and now, 

 as usual, can scarce bear to look at them. My amiable pupil. 

 Miss Hudson, has kept me company, and her pencil has turned 

 some of my drawings into pictures. I have dined out but once, 

 with my friend J. G. Children, of the British Museum, on the 

 Coronation Day ; and there I met several friends and scientific 

 acquaintance. The want of exercise, and close application, 



