LIFE OF WILSON. 
xli 
frequently half the others. The next quarter will leave me time 
enough ; and, as there is no man living in whose company I have 
more real satisfaction, I hope you will pardon me if I now and then 
steal a little of your leisure, 
“ I send for your amusement a few attempts at some of our 
indigenous birds, hoping that your good nature will excuse their 
deficiencies, while you point them out to me. I intended to be the 
bearer of them myself, but having so many little accounts to draw 
up before to-morrow, I am compelled to plead this as my excuse. 
I am almost ashamed to send you these drawings ; but I know your 
generous disposition will induce you to encourage one in whom you 
perceive a sincere and eager wish to do well. They were chiefly 
coloured by candlelight. 
“ I have now got my collection of native birds considerably en- 
larged ; and shall endeavour, if possible, to obtain all the smaller 
ones this summer. Be pleased to mark on the drawings, with a pen- 
cil, the names of each bird, as, except three or four, I do not know 
them. I shall be extremely obliged to you for every hint that will 
assist me in this agreeable amusement. 
“I am very anxious to see the performances of your fair pu- 
pil ; and beg you would assure her from me that any of the birds I 
have are heartily at her service. Surely Nature is preferable, to 
copy after, to the works of the best masters, though perhaps more 
difiicult ; for I declare that the face of an Owl, and the back of a 
Lark, have put me to a nonplus ; and if Miss Nancy will be so 
obliging as to try her hand on the last mentioned, I will furnish hei 
with one in good order ; and will copy her drawing with the great- 
est pleasure ; having spent almost a week on two different ones, 
and afterwards destroyed them both, and got nearly in the slough 
of despond.” 
VOL. IX. 
L 
