909 JOHN JAMES AUDUBON 
lief in his talents and in their ultimate 
recognition. 
Under date of October 11, 1829, he 
writes: ‘‘Iam at work and have done 
much, but I wish I had eight pairs of 
hands, and another body to shoot the 
specimens ; still Iam delighted at what 
I have accumulated in drawings this 
season. Forty-two drawings in four 
months, eleven large, eleven middle 
size, and twenty-two small, comprising 
ninety-five birds, from eagles down- 
wards, with plants, nests, flowers, and 
sixty different kinds of eggs. I live 
alone, see scarcely anyone besides those 
belonging to the house where I lodge. I 
rise long before day, and work till night- 
fall, when I take a walk and to bed.”’ 
Audubon’s capacity for work was ex- 
traordinary. His enthusiasm and per- 
severance were equally extraordinary. 
His purposes and ideas fairly possessed 
him. Never did a man consecrate him- 
self more fully to the successful com- 
