HO AUDUBON 



Harlan, his brow would have assured that same old friend 

 of his great mental powers. He cordially invited me to 

 call on him in Grosvenor Street in town (thus he called 

 London), shook hands with me again, and mounting a 

 splendid hunter rode off. I called to thank Mr. Rathbone 

 for his letters and gift, but did so, I know, most awk- 

 wardly. Oh ! that I had been flogged out of this miser- 

 able shyness and mauvaise honte when I was a youth. 



August 6, Sunday. When I arrived in this city I felt 

 dejected, miserably so ; the uncertainty as to my recep- 

 tion, my doubts as to how my work would be received, all 

 conspired to depress me. Now, how different are my sen- 

 sations ! I am well received everywhere, my works praised 

 and admired, and my poor heart is at last relieved from 

 the great anxiety that has for so many years agitated it, 

 for I know now that I have not worked in vain. This 

 morning I went to church ; the sermon was not to my 

 mind, but the young preacher may improve. This after- 

 noon I packed up Harlan's "Fauna" for Mr. E. Roscoe, 

 and went to the Institution, where Mr. Munro was to meet 

 me and escort me to Mr. Wm. Roscoe, Jr., where I was to 

 take tea. Mr. Munro was not on hand, so, after a weary 

 waiting, I went alone to Mr. Roscoe's habitation. It was 

 full of ladies and gentlemen, all his own family, and I 

 knew almost every one. I was asked to imitate the calls 

 of some of the wild birds, and though I did not wish to 

 do so, consented to satisfy the curiosity of the company. 

 I sat between Mr. Wm. Roscoe and his son Edward, and 

 answered question after question. Finally, the good old 

 gentleman and I retired to talk about my plans. He 

 strongly advises me not to exhibit my works without re- 

 muneration. Later more guests came in, and more ques- 

 tions were asked ; they appeared surprised that I have no 

 wonderful tales to tell, that, for instance, I have not been 

 devoured at least six times by tigers, bears, wolves, foxes; 

 no, I never was troubled by any larger animals than ticks 



