28 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH 



attitudes are of the most spirited description, 

 infinitely varied, and all appearing as in their 

 native haunts. They are entirely divested of 

 that formality which but too frequently charac- 

 terizes natural history plates ; while, at the 

 same time, they are remarkable for the accu- 

 racy and imitation of the feathering; and in 

 those parts most essential to the naturalist, 

 namely, the beaks and feet, they are drawn 

 with matchless skill and beauty. His des- 

 criptions of birds are strikingly graphic and 

 amusing, although, in this respect, he does not 

 equal Wilson. 



The magnificent work of Audubon gained 

 for him a high reputation in this country, and 

 expensive as it is, he soon found as many 

 subscribers as not only to cover the expenses 

 of the undertaking, but also held out the pros- 

 pect of the acquirement of a moderate compe- 

 tency. In September, 1828, he visited France, 

 where he was received with open arms by all 

 the celebrated naturalists of that country; and 

 Baron Cuvier read a highly laudatory report of 

 the " Birds of America" before the Institute, 

 which was copied into almost all the French 

 papers of the time. 



He returned to London on the 30th October, 

 and, in a letter to our associate, Mr Kidd, he 

 communicated the agreeable intelligence, that 



