PREFACE. 
viii 
ted, that the greater part of these interesting epistles were mis- 
laid during the latter days of the venerable botanist to whom they 
were addressed; and that it was through the care of the above- 
mentioned gentleman they were rescued from oblivion. 
It will be long ere the lovers of science will cease to deplore 
the event, which snatched from us one so eminently gifted for 
natural investigations, by his zeal, his industry, his activity, and 
his intelligence; one who, after a successful prosecution of his 
great undertaking through a series of eventful years, was de- 
prived of his merited reward, at the moment when he was about 
putting the finishing hand to those labours, which have secured 
to him an imperishable renown. “ The hand of death,” says 
Pliny, “is ever, in my estimation, too severe, and too sudden, 
when it falls upon such as are employed in some immortal work. 
The sons of sensuality, who have no other views beyond the pre- 
sent hour, terminate with each day the whole purpose of their 
lives; but those who look forward to posterity, and endeavour to 
extend their memories to future generations by useful labours; — 
to such, death is always immature, as it still snatches them from 
amidst some unfinished design. ” 
But although that Being, who so often frustrates human pur- 
poses, thought proper, in his wisdom, to terminate the “unfin- 
ished design” of our lamented friend, yet were his aspirations 
after an honourable distinction in society fully answered. The 
poor despised weaver of Paisley takes his rank among the wri- 
ters of our country; and after ages shall look up to the Father 
of American Ornithology, and bless that Providence, which, by 
inscrutable ways, led him to the only spot, perhaps, of the civi- 
lized earth, where his extraordinary talents would be encouraged 
to develop themselves, and his estimable qualities of heart 
would be duly appreciated. 
Wilson has proved to us what genius and industry can eflfect 
in despite of obstacles, which men of ordinary abilities would 
consider insurmountable. His example will not be disregarded ; 
and his success will be productive of benefits, the extent of which 
cannot now be estimated. 
