xxxvii AUDUBON THE NATURALIST 
"Late summer.—Returns with his family to New York, and set- 
tles at 86 White Street. Victor, who preceded his father 
to America, is married to Mary Eliza Bachman. 
Projects at once a small or “miniature” edition of his Orni- 
thology, and begins work on the Quadrupeds. Collabora- | 
tion of Bachman in this project is later secured. 
1840-1844 
First octavo edition of The Birds of America is published at 
Philadelphia, in seven volumes, with lithographic, colored 
plates and meets with unprecedented success; issued to 
subscribers in 100 parts, of five plates each with text, at 
one dollar a part. 
1840 
June.—Begins a correspondence with young Spencer F. Baird, 
which leads to an intimate friendship of great mutual 
benefit, Baird discovering new birds and sending him 
many specimens. 
1841 
Purchases land on the Hudson, in Carmansville, at the present 
157th Street, and begins to build a house. 
July 29.—Writes to Spencer F. Baird that he was then as anx- 
ious about the publication of the Quadrupeds as he ever 
was about procuring birds. 
1842 
A pril.—Occupies his estate, now included in the realty section 
of upper New York City called Audubon Park, which he 
deeded to his wife and named for her “Minnie’s Land.” 
September 12.—Starts on a canvassing tour of Canada, going 
as far north as Quebec, and returns well pleased with his 
success, after spending a month and traveling 1,500 miles. 
Plans for his western journey nearly completed. 
