LIFE OF AVILSON. 
xlix 
servations to posterity. Shut up from the sweet scenes of rural uature, so 
dear to my soul, conceive to yourself the pleasures I shall enjoy in sometimes 
paying a visit to your charming Retreat, and you cannot doubt of frequently 
seeing your very sincere friend." 
Not long after his engagement, he unfolded his mind to Mr. Bradford on 
the subject of his projected Ornithology; and exhibited such evidence of his 
talents for a work of that nature, that the latter promptly agreed to become 
the publisher of it, and to furnish the requisite funds ; and now, for the first 
time, Wilson found those obstructions removed, which had opposed his 
favorite enterprise. 
To Mr. Wilson, at the Falls of Niagara. 
"Philadelphia, July 8th, 180G. 
" Dear Sir. 
" This will be handed to you by Mr. Michaux, a gentleman of an amiable 
character, and a distinguished naturalist, who is pursuing his botanical re- 
searches through North America, and intends visiting the Cataract of Niagara. 
The kindness I received from your family in 1804 makes me desirous that my 
friend, Mr. Michaux, should reside with you during his stay at Niagara ; and 
any attention paid to him will be considered as done to myself, and suitable 
acknowledgments made in person by me on my arrival at Niagara, which I 
expect will be early next spring. 
" You will be so good as give Mr. Michaux information respecting the late 
rupture of the rock at the Falls, of the burning spring above, and point out 
to him the place of descent to the rapids below, with any other information 
respecting the wonderful scenery around you. 
"In the short stay I made, and the unfavorable weather I experienced, I 
was prevented from finishing my intended sketch equal to my wishes; but I 
design to spend several weeks with you, and not only take correct drawings, 
but particular descriptions of everything relating to that stupendous Cataract, 
and to publish a more complete and satisfactory account, and a better repre- 
sentation of it, than has been yet done in the United States.* 
" I had a rough journey home through the Genesee country, which was 
covered with snow to the depth of fifteen inches, and continued so all the way 
to Albany. If you know of any gentlemen in your neighborhood acquainted 
with botany, be so good as introduce Mr. Michaux to them." 
To Mr. Wm. Duncan. 
"Philadelphia, April 8th, 1807. 
"Enclosed is a proof-sheet of our prospectus; as soon as the impressions are 
thrown off on fine paper, I will transmit one for Mr. L. This afternoon Mr. 
* Wilson's subsequent engagements prevented his return to the Falls, in conformity 
with his wishes ; but his sketches were completed by an artist, engraved by George Cooke 
of London, and illustrate his poem of the "Foresters," which was published in the Port 
Folio. These well-engraved views, which are two in number, convey a good idea of the 
famous Cataract ; the " Great Pitch," in particular, is admirably represented. 
Vol. I.— D 
