CXII 
LIFE OF WILSON. 
And the people of the District of Maine, of all the Newengland 
states, and those who have lived on the river Illinois, declare that 
these birds breed there in vast numbers. 
I have many limes been told that our small Snow-bird {Frin- 
gilla Hudsonia) breeds in the Great Swamp, which I can hardly be- 
lieve. 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 positive 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 every where 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 mattei’s ? 
To Mr. WILLIAM BARTRAM. 
Philadelphia, Nov, 11, 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 every 
thing 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 favourable 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 determi- 
nation I will be so happy as to secure your company, for which I 
would willingly sustain as much hardship, and as many depriva- 
tions, as T am able to bear. 
