xii LIFE OF 



To these may be added, though, last, certainly not least, the magni- 

 ficent work of Mr Audubon, now in course of publication, while its 

 enterprising author is traversing the wilds of America in search of 

 objects for its completion. 



The naturalists who have contributed to our knowledge of the 

 ornithology of North America, bearing this high rank, on account 

 of the merit of their respective works, let us endeavour to trace the 

 life of him who set the example, and, who, by perseverance amidst 

 many difficulties, nearly brought to a conclusion one of the most 

 extensive of these works. 



The population of the manufacturing districts differs most essenti- 

 ally in its constitution and character, from the other parts of the 

 community of Great Britain. Composed of men primarily devoted 

 to the acquisition of independence, activity and decision form a 

 strong feature in their dispositions, and stamps them with vivid 

 impressions of the worldly changes which may ultimately conduce 

 to the loss or prosperity of their engagements. In Paisley, the 

 largest manufacturing town in Scotland, the middle and operative 

 classes, in whose sphere the individual about whom we are now 

 interested chiefly moved, are respectable and industrious— or idle, 

 of restless dispositions, and preferring dissipation and revelry, accord- 

 ing to the habits they had formed on their. early entrance into the 

 world. The greater part of the employment in this important town 

 is given out in piece, which permits the labourer to enjoy a greater 

 proportion of leisure than he could do by the more usual method of 

 working a fixed time. A little exertion and assiduity will allow him 

 some hours of relaxation, and the manner in which this is spent, often 

 bears a high influence on the future prospects of the individual. 

 Numerous clubs have at various times been instituted, to which 

 most of the operatives resort, and spend their leisure time, according 

 to their inclinations. In some, intemperance prevails, with the high 

 and wrangling discussion of the affairs and conduct of their diffe- 

 rent masters, and the politics of the day. What are called liberal 

 sentiments are promulgated ; and with the assistance of the more 

 radical newspapers, the foundation is laid for that jealousy of the 

 welfare of their superiors, and discontentment with their own lot, 

 which so often causes the distress of friends, and the destruction of 

 their neighbours' properties, and which, if it does not always 



