A MEETING OF RIVALS 221 
of a kind not usually seen in that part of the country; a short 
coat, trousers, and a waistcoat of grey cloth. His stature 
was not above the middle size. He had two volumes under his 
arm, and as he approached the table at which I was working, 
I thought I discovered something like astonishment in his 
countenance. He, however, immediately proceeded to disclose 
the object of his visit, which was to procure subscriptions for 
his work. He opened his books, explained the nature of his 
occupations, and requested my patronage. 
I felt surprised and gratified at the sight of the volumes, 
turned over a few of the plates, and had already taken a pen to 
write my name in his favour when my partner rather abruptly 
said to me in French, “My dear Audubon, what induces you to 
subscribe to this work? Your drawings are certainly far better, 
and again you must know as much of the habits of American 
birds as this gentleman. ” Whether Mr. Wilson understood 
French or not, or if the suddenness with which I paused, disap- 
pointed him, I cannot tell; but I clearly perceived that he was 
not pleased. Vanity and the encomiums of my friend prevented 
me from subscribing. Mr. Wilson asked me if I had many draw- 
ings of birds. I rose, took down a large portfolio, laid it on the 
table, and shewed him, as I would show you, kind reader, or any 
other person fond of such subjects, the whole of the contents, 
with the same patience with which he had shewn me his own en- 
gravings. 
His surprise appeared great, as he told me he never 
had the most distant idea that any other individual than him- 
self had been engaged in forming such a collection. He asked 
me if it was my intention to publish, and when I answered in 
the negative, his surprise seemed to increase. And, truly, such 
was not my intention; for, until long after, when I met the 
Prince of Musignano in Philadelphia, I had not the least idea 
of presenting the fruits of my labours to the world. Mr. Wil- 
;son now examined my drawings with care, asked if I should 
have any objections to lending him a few during his stay, to 
which I replied that I had none: he then bade me good morn- 
ing, not, however, until I had made an arrangement to explore 
