LIFE OF WILSON. 



xxxiii 



Mr. JelFersoii had in his port-folio decisive proofs of Mr. 

 Wilson's talents as an ornithologist, the latter having some time 

 before transmitted to his Excellency some splendid drawings of 

 nondescript birds, accompanied with scientific descriptions. Yet 

 with these evidences before him, backed by the recommenda- 

 tion of a discerning and experienced Naturalist, so little did Mr. 

 Jefferson regard the pretensions of Genius, and the interests of 

 Science ; so unmindful was he of the duties of his exalted sta- 

 tion, or the common civilities which obtain amongst people of 

 breeding and refinement ; that so far from accepting the services 

 of our accomplished ornithologist, he did not even deign to reply 

 to his respectful overture ; and Wilson, mortified at the cold, con- 

 temptuous neglect, locked up his feelings in his breast, not even 

 permitting a sigh to reach the ear of his most intimate friends. 

 This treatment he did not expect from one, whom his ardent fancy 

 had invested with every excellence ; who had been the object of 

 his encomiums, and the theme of his songs : 



" 0?nne ignotum pro magnifico." 



We now approach that era of our author's life, in which we 

 behold him emerging from the vale of obscurity, and attaining 

 that enviable distinction in the republic of science and letters, 

 which it is the lot of but few to enjoy. 



Mr. Samuel F. Bradford, bookseller, of Philadelphia, being 

 about to publish an improved edition of Rees's New Cyclopaedia, 

 Mr. Wilson was introduced to him as one qualified to superintend 

 the work; and was engaged, at a liberal salary, as assistant editor. 



Not long after this engagement he unfolded his mind to Mr. 

 Bradford on the subject of an American Ornithology ; and exhi- 

 bited such evidence of his talents for a publication of that nature, 

 that Mr. Bradford promptly agreed to become the publisher, and 

 to furnish the requisite funds ; and now for the first time Mr. Wil- 

 son found those obstructions removed which had opposed his fa- 

 vorite enterprise. 



VOL. IX. I 



