of illustrated volumes on the Birds i and Quadrupeds 2 of North America, 

 his Synopsis of Birds, 3 and the Journals * of his expeditions to Labrador 

 and to the Missouri and Yellowstone Rivers. 



The preparation and publication of his elephant folio atlases of life- 

 size colored plates of birds, begun in 1827 and completed in 1838, with 

 the accompanying volumes of text (the "Ornithological Biography," 

 1831-1839), was a colossal task. But no sooner was it accomplished 

 than an equally sumptuous work on the mammals was undertaken, 

 and, with the assistance of Bachman, likewise carried to a successful 

 termination. For more than three-quarters of a century the splendid 

 paintings which adorn these works, and which for spirit and vigor are 

 still unsurpassed, have been the admiration of the world. 



In addition to his more pretentious works, Audubon wrote a number 

 of minor articles and papers and left a series of " Journals," since pub- 

 lished by his grand-daughter, Miss Maria R. Audubon. The Journals 

 are full to overflowing with observations of value to the naturalist and, 

 along with the entertaining "Episodes," throw a flood of light on con- 

 temporary customs and events. Incidentally, they are by no means to 

 be lost sight of by the historian. 



In searching for material for his books Audubon traveled thousands 

 of miles afoot in various parts of the eastern states, from Maine to 

 Louisiana; he also visited Texas, Florida and Canada; crossed the 

 ocean several times, and conducted expeditions to far-away Labrador 

 and the then remote Missouri and Yellowstone Rivers. When we 

 remember the limited facilities for travel in his day, the scarcity of 

 railroads, steamboats and other conveniences, we are better prepared 

 to appreciate the zeal, determination and energy necessary to accomplish 

 his self-imposed task. 



That it was possible for one man to do so much excellent field work, 

 to write so many meritorious volumes and to paint such a multitude 



1 The Birds of America, 4 atlases, double elephant folio colored plates. Lon- 

 don, 1827-1838; Ornithological Biography, an account of the habits of the birds 

 of the United States. 5 vols. Royal 8vo, Edinburgh, 1831-1839. 



2 The Quadrupeds of North America by John James Audubon and Rev. John 

 Bachman. 3 vols. Royal 8vo text, and elephant folio atlas of colored plates. 

 New York, 1846-1854. 



3 Synopsis of Birds of North America. Edinburgh & London, 1839. 



4 Audubon and his Journals by Maria R. Audubon. 2 vols. 8vo. New York, 

 1897. 



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