lxviii LIFE OF 



rivers, the pillars of smoke rising from its furnaces and glass-works 

 — would make a noble picture. I began a very diligent search in 

 this place, the day after my arrival, for subscribers, and continued 

 it for four days. I succeeded beyond expectation, having got nine- 

 teen names of the most wealthy and respectable part of the inhabi- 

 tants. The industry of Pittsburgh is remarkable ; everybody you 

 see is busy ; and as a proof of the prosperity of the place, an eminent 

 lawyer told me, that there has not been one suit instituted against 

 a merchant of the town these three years. 



" Gentlemen here assure me, that the road to Chilocothe is impas- 

 sable on foot, by reason of the freshes. I have, therefore, resolved 

 to navigate myself in a small skiff which I have bought, and named 

 the Ornithologist, down to Cincinnati, a distance of five hundred 

 and twenty eight-miles, intending to visit five or six towns that lie 

 in my way. From Cincinnati I will cross over to the opposite 

 shore, and, abandoning my boat, make my way to Lexington, where 

 I expect to be ere your letter can reach that place. Were I to go 

 by Chilocothe, I should miss five towns as large as it. Some say that 

 I ought not to attempt going down by myself — others think I may. 

 I am determined to make the experiment, the expense of hiring a 

 rower being considerable. As soon as the ice clears out of the 

 Alleghany, and the weather will permit, I shall shove off, having 

 everything in readiness. I have ransacked the woods and fields 

 here, without finding a single bird new to me, or indeed anything 

 but a few snow birds and sparrows. I expect to have something 

 interesting to communicate in my next. 



"February 23. — My baggage is on board; I have just to de- 

 spatch this and set off. The weather is fine, and I have no doubt 

 of piloting my skiff in safety to Cincinnati. Farewell ! God bless 

 you." 



To Mr Alexander Lawson. 



" Lexington, April 4, 1810. 

 " My dear Sir, — Having now reached the second stage of my 

 bird-catching expedition, I willingly sit down to give you some 

 account of my adventures and remarks since leaving Pittsburgh : by 

 the aid of a good map, and your usual stock of patience, you will be 

 able to listen to my story, and trace all my wanderings. Though 



