LIFE OF WILSON. 
Ixi 
to fall, and never but on the tops of the tallest trees, from which it 
perpetually serenades us with some of the sweetest notes, and as 
clear as those of the nightingale, I have followed it for miles 
without ever, but once, getting a good view of it. It is of the size 
and make of the Mocking-bird, lightly thrush-coloured on the back, 
and a greyish-white on the breast and belly. Mr. Randolph, my 
son-in-law, was in possession of one which had been shot by a 
neighbour; he pronounces this also a Muscicapa, and I think it 
much resembling the Moucherolle de la Martmique, 8 Buffon, 374, 
PI. enlum. 568. As it abounds in all the neighbourhood of Phila- 
delphia, you may perhaps by patience and perseverance (of which 
much will be requisite) get a sight, if not a possession of it. I have 
for twenty years interested the young sportsmen of my neighbour- 
hood to shoot me one ; but as yet without success. Accept my sa- 
lutations and assurances of respect. 
»TH. JEFFERSON.’’ 
To Mr. WM. BARTRAM. 
April \ %th, 1805, 
‘^By Mr. Jefferson’s condescending and very intelligent letter 
to me, which I enclose for your perusal, it appears that our Jay is 
an entirely new, or rather undescribed bird, which met me on the 
banks of the Mohawk, to do me the honour of ushering him to the 
world. This duty I have conscientiously discharged, by introducing 
him to two naturalists : the one endeared to me, and every lover 
of science, by the benevolence of his heart; and the other ordained 
by Heaven to move in a distinguished orbit — an honour to the hu- 
man race — the patron of science^ and best hope of republicans ! I 
say, that no bird, since Noah’s days, could boast of such distin- 
guished honour. 
VOL. IX. 
Q 
