214 AUDUBON 



the Scottish Society Exhibition, but I soon left him as so 

 many eyes were directed to me that I was miserable. 



February 27. It blew and rained tremendously, and 

 this morning I parted from Captain Hall, who goes to 

 London. His leaving Edinburgh affects me considerably ; 

 he is a kind, substantial friend, and when we finally shook 

 hands, I doubt not he knew the feeling in my heart. This 

 evening was spent at Mr. Joseph's the sculptor. There 

 were a number of guests, and music and dancing was pro- 

 posed. My fame as a dancer produced, I am sure, false 

 expectations ; nevertheless I found myself on the floor 

 with Mrs. Joseph, a lively, agreeable little lady, much my 

 junior, and about my Lucy's age. After much dancing, 

 during which light refreshments were served, we sat down 

 to supper at twelve o'clock, and we did not leave till 

 three. 



February 28. I have been reading Captain Hall's " Voy- 

 ages and Travels," and going much about to rest my eyes 

 and head ; but these few days of idleness have completely 

 sickened me, and have given me what is named the Blue 

 Devils so effectually that the sooner I drive them off the 

 better. 



March 1. Mr. Kidd, 1 the landscape artist, breakfasted 

 with me, and we talked painting a long time. I admired 

 him for his talents at so early a period of life, he being 

 only nineteen. What would I have been now if equally 

 gifted by nature at that age? But, sad reflection, I have 

 been forced constantly to hammer and stammer as if in 

 opposition to God's will, and so therefore am nothing 

 now but poor Audubon. I asked him to come to me 

 daily to eat, drink, and give me the pleasure of his com- 

 pany and advice. I told him my wish was so intense to 

 improve in the delightful art of painting that I should be- 

 gin a new picture to-morrow, and took down my portfolio 

 to look for one of my drawings to copy in oil. He had 

 1 Joseph B. Kidd, who later copied many of Audubon's' birds. 



