xxii 



LIFE OF WILSON. 



If a momentary digression from our subject would be par- 

 doned, the writer of this sketch would suggest the idea of erect- 

 ing in that classical retreat, Bartram^s Botanic Garden, a rural 

 monument or altar, dedicated to the amiable Genius of Painting: 

 as to her inspiration the world is indebted for the American 

 Ornithology. 



That Mr. Wilson likewise succeeded tolerably well in deli- 

 neating flowers, appears from the following note to Mr. Bartram, 

 dated Abt;. 20^^,1803 : 



"I have attempted two of those prints which Miss Nancy"^ 

 so obligingly, and with so much honor to her own taste, selected 

 for me. I was quite delighted with the anemone, but fear I have 

 made but bungling work of it. Such as they are I send them for 

 your inspection and opinion ; neither of tliem is quite finished. 

 For your kind advice towards my improvement I return my most 

 grateful acknowledgements. 



The duties of my profession will not admit me to apply to 

 this study with the assiduity and perseverance I could wish. Chief 

 part of what I do is sketched by candle-light; and for this I am 

 obliged to sacrifice the pleasures of social life, and the agreeable 

 moments which I might enjoy in company with you and your 

 amiable friend. I shall finish the other some time this week; and 

 shall be happy if what I have done merit your approbation.^^ 



As Mr. Wilson progressed in drawing, he made correspond- 

 ing advances in a knowledge of Ornithology. He had attentively 

 perused the works of the naturalists of Europe, who had written 

 on the subject of the birds of America ; and became so disgusted 

 with their caricatured figures, fanciful theories, fables and misre- 

 presentations, that on turning, as he himself observes, from these 

 barren and musty records to the magnificent repository of the 

 woods and fields — the Grand Aviary of Nature^ his delight bor- 



* Mr. Bartram's nieee^ now tlie consort of Co!. Carr, of the U. S. army. 



