Ixx LIFE OF WILSON. 
versed, say that these birds are seen in Cuba, early in the spring only, and 
again in October. And the people of the district of JIaine, of all the New 
England states, and those who have lived on the river Illinois, declare that 
these birds breed there in vast numbers. 
" I have many times been told that our small snow-bird (^fringiUa liudfonia) 
breeds in the Great Swauip, which I can hardly believe. When I was in 
Williamsburg, Virginia, Bishop Madison told me of a mountain, in the interior 
of that state, where they bred in multitudes. I have lately had the most posi- 
tive assurances from a gentleman who lived on the ranges of the Alleghany, 
about two hundred and fifty miles distant, that he saw them there four months 
ago ; and that they built their nests almost everywhere among the long grass. 
He said he took particular notice of them, as he had heard it said down here, 
that they changed to chipping-sparrows in summer. What think you of these 
matters ?" 
To Mr. Wm. Bartram. 
"Philadelphia, November 11th, 1809. 
" Dear Sir. 
" Since I parted from you yesterday evening, I have ruminated a great deal 
on my proposed journey ; I have considered the advantages and disadvantages 
of the three modes of proceeding : on horseback — in the stage-coach, and on 
foot. Taking everything into view, I have at length determined to adopt the 
last, as being the cheapest, the best adapted for examining the country we pass 
through ; the most favorable to health ; and, in short, except for its fatigues, 
the best mode for a scientific traveller or naturalist, in every point of view. I 
have also thought that by this determination I will be so happy as to secure 
your company, for which I would willingly sustain as much hardship, and as 
many deprivations, as I am able to bear. 
" If this determination should meet your approbation, and if you are willing 
to encounter the hardships of such a pedestrian journey, let me know as soon 
as is convenient. I think one dollar a day, each, will be fully sufficient for our 
expenses, by a strict regard, at all times, to economy." 
The second volume of the Ornithology was published in January, 1810 ; and 
Wilson set out for Pittsburgh, the latter part of the same month, in his route 
to New Orleans. I trust that no apology is necessary for introducing the fol- 
lowing letters, addressed to Mr. Lawson, into these memoirs, notwithstanding 
three of them are well known to the public, having originally appeared in the 
Port Folio.* 
To Mr. Alexander Lawson. 
" Pittsburgh, February 22d, 1810. 
" Dear Sir. 
" From this first stage of my Ornithological pilgrimage, I sit down, with 
pleasure, to give you some account of my adventures since we parted. On 
arriving at Lancaster, I waited on the governor, secretary of state, and such 
other great folks as were likely to be useful to me. The governor received me 
* New Series, vols. III., 499, IV., 310, VII., 34. 
