VISIT TO PHILADELPHIA. 79 
CHAPTER VII. 
[ress April, 1824, Audubon visited Phil- 
adelphia, with the view of continuing his 
researches eastward along the coast. 
Up to this time, though so diligent a student, 
he appears to have entertained no definite idea 
of any beneficial or advantageous result of his 
efforts. Never, indeed, did he dare to indulge 
the hope of becoming in any degree useful to 
his kind, much less did he dream of the rare suc- 
cess which should one day signalize his name. 
Yet to this end did the irresistible impulse of 
his genius unconsciously incite him. Led on by 
the pure attraction of his love, as the disciple of 
science, heroically and patiently he followed on, 
until at length her best rewards were gratefully 
bestowed. 
On visiting Philadelphia, his only friends in 
the city, were Dr. Mease, whom he: had known 
in his youthful days, and Dr. Richard Harlan, 
long his friend, and whose friendship continued 
through the lifetime of Audubon. By them, 
Audubon was introduced to the illustrious nat 
