Ixxviii 
LIFE OF WILSON. 
“You will be so good as give Mr. Michaux information re- 
specting 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 ra- 
pids below, with any other information respecting the wonderful 
scenery around you. 
In the short stay I made, and the unfavourable weather I ex- 
perienced, 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 every 
thing relating to that stupendous Cataract, and to publish a more 
complete and satisfactory account, and a better representation, of 
it, than has been yet done in the United States.* 
“ I had a rough journey home through the Genessee country, 
which was covei'ed with snow to the depth of fifteen inches, and 
continued so all the way to Albany. If you know of any gentle- 
men in your neighbourhood acquainted with botany, be so good as 
introduce Mr. Michaux to them.’^ 
To Mr. WM. DUNCAN. 
Philadelphia, April 8, 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. Lawson is to have one of the plates 
completely finished ; and I am going to set the copper-plate prin- 
ter at work to print each bird in its natural colours, which will be 
a great advantage in colouring, as the black ink Avill not then stain 
^ 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 Cata- 
ract ; the “ Great Pitch,” in particular, is admirably represented. 
