/ 
LIFE OF WILSON. Hii 
from sjDring to fall, and never but on the tops of the tallest trees, 
from which it perpetually serenades us with some of the sweet- 
est notes, and as clear as those of the nightingale. I have fol- 
lowed 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 grayish-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 Mouche- 
rolle de la Martinique^ 8 Bulfon, 374, PL enlum. 568. As it 
abounds in all the neighbourhood of Philadelphia, you may per- 
haps by patience and perseverance (of which much will be re- 
quisite) get a sight, if not a possession of it. I have for twenty 
years interested the young sportsmen of my neighbourhood to 
shoot me one; but as yet without success. Accept my saluta- 
tions and assurances of respect. 
Th. Jefferson. 
TO MR. WM. BARTRAM. 
^pril 18th, 1805. 
‘‘ By Mr. Jefferson’s condescending and very intelligent let- 
ter 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 ush- 
ering him to the world. This duty I have conscientiously dis- 
charged, by introducing him to two naturalists: the one endear- 
ed to me, and every lover of science, by the benevolence of his 
heart; and the other ordained by Heaven to move in a distin- 
guished orbit — an honour to the human race-— the patron of 
science, and best hope of republicans! I say, that no bird, since 
Noah’s days, could boast of such distinguished honour. 
Mr. Jefferson speaks of a very strange bird; please let me 
know what it is; I shall be on the look out, and he must be a 
sly fellow if he escape me. I shall watch his motions, and the 
sound of his serenade, pretty closely, to be able to transmit to 
