12 AUDUBON THE NATURALIST. 
tional lining of some large soft feathers of the 
goose, picked up by them along the water's 
edge. Meanwhile, the emotion of their twitter- 
ing notes and gentle expressions of tenderness 
in their caresses, seemed to anticipate their fu- 
ture joys. As long as the plantation remained 
to Audubon, a pewee’s nest continued in his 
favourite retreat. This species of bird is abun-~ 
dant in the Floridas, as also during winter in 
Louisiana and the Carolinas. It almost invaria- 
riably forms its nest in caves or the rocky banks 
of creeks. 
And now the enthusiastic passion, hitherto . 
awakened only by birds and flowers, was kin- 
dled in the presence of a nobler breathing nature 
realizing more than all of material beauty beheld 
before, as well as the highest idealism could con- 
ceive. He loved; and we may conclude, that 
“this affection” was not “ light as the feathers he 
delineated,” since soon he was a husband, and 
through existence continued tenderly mindful of 
the rélationship he owned. Of this, we have 
ample testimony, notwithstanding the long in- 
tervals of absence his occupations necessitated. 
We have treasured reminiscences and brighten- 
ing glimpses of returning dearly-cherished joys 
glittering like sparingly-scattered gems over the 
restless and often troubled current of his way. 
At this time, his feelings were wounded by 
