262 AUDUBON 



with a good degree of force he sank it, meantime drawing 

 it along the bottom and grassy banks towards him. The 

 fish, intent on feeding, attempted to escape, and threw 

 themselves into the net and were hauled ashore. This 

 was the first successful way of fishing I have seen in Eng- 

 land. Some pikes of eight or ten pounds were taken, and 

 I saw some eels. I have set my heart on having two 

 hundred subscribers on my list by the first of May next; 

 should I succeed I shall feel well satisfied, and able to have 

 thee and our sons all together. Thou seest that castles are 

 still building on hopeful foundations only; but he who 

 does not try anything cannot obtain his ends. 



October 15, Newcastle. Yesterday I took the coach and 

 found myself here after an uneventful journey, the route 

 being now known to me, and came to my former lodgings, 

 where I was followed "almost immediately by the Marquis 

 of Londonderry, who subscribed at once. Then I called 

 upon friend Adamson, who before I could speak invited 

 me to dinner every day that I was disengaged. He 

 advised me to have a notice in the papers of my being 

 here for a few days, so I went to the Tyne Mercury ; saw 

 Mr. Donkin, who invited me to breakfast with him to-mor- 

 row at half-past seven, quite my hour. 



October 17. During the day Mr. Wingate, an excellent 

 practical ornithologist, came to see me, and we had much 

 conversation which interested me greatly. Also came the 

 mayor, who invited me to dine with him publicly to-morrow. 

 I have writen to Mr. Selby to ask if he will be at Alnwick 

 Castle on Friday, as if so I will meet him there, and try to 

 find some subscribers. Several persons have asked me 

 how I came to part with Mr. Lizars, and I have felt glad 

 to be able to say that it was at his desire, and that we 

 continue esteemed friends. I have been pleased to find 

 since I left London that all my friends cry against my 

 painting in oil ; it proves to me the real taste of good 

 William Rathbone ; and now I do declare to thee that I will 



