360 Letter from Audubon to the Editor* 



into my wood-hunting habits. All hands of us up before day- 

 break, and soon at work, either in the way of shooting, taking 

 views, or drawing birds : after sunset — scribbling in our journals. 



At Mr. 's, our evenings were passed in a very agreeable 



manner. I received a great deal of information from him respect- 

 ing the migration, residence, and nidification of many species, 

 whose habits I was but partially informed of In the early part 

 of November, the alligators had gone into their winter quarters ; 

 the migratory birds were passing swiftly on towards the south, 

 although we had had no frost. The planters considered the coun- 

 try as still unhealthy, and resorted to the city at night. If I had 

 been governed by the practice and advice of many, I should not 

 have put a foot in the mud, either salted or fresh ; but difficulties 

 of this character must be disregarded by the American woodsman, 

 while success, or the hope of it, is before him. 



It is impossible to do justice to the generous feelings of the 

 Charlestonians, or to their extreme kindness towards me. Many of 

 the gentlemen took the greatest interest in my pursuits ; one. Dr. 



, presented me with an excellent New-Foundland dog, and 



other valuable memorials of his regard. Another, Dr. — , gave 



me a collection of shells, from the adjacent waters. The ladies 

 presented me with a capital supply of snuff! Desirous of going to 

 Cole's Island, distant about 25 or 30 miles, to look after some 

 marine birds, a boat, four hands, and a pilot, were immediately 

 offered to me, free of all expense, with liberty to detain them as 

 long as it was agreeable to me. It is not possible for me to ex- 

 press properly the sense I feel of the kindness I received from 

 that warm-hearted and intelligent people. 



And now, as you have good naturedly listened to what I have 

 felt bound to say on the score of gratitude, I will tell you what I 

 know you are impatient to come to — something about my pro- 

 ceedings at Cole's Island. It lies south from Charleston, about 25 

 or 30 miles ; there we arrived and encamped for the night : cer- 

 tain beef-steaks we brought with us, we roasted upon sticks, and 

 the adjacent shore provided us with excellent oysters : gaiety, 

 good appetites, and our hearts all right, made the time pass 

 pleasantly, and it was with some reluctance we spread our 

 blankets, and arranged the fire preparatory to going to rest. 

 Nothing is more valuable to a naturalist, and particularly to an 

 ornithologist, than the first hours of day; therefore, long ere the 



