LIFE OF WILSON. 
Ixxi 
European, the latter being destitute of the black head, neck and 
shoulders of ours. Latham calls it carolinensis, but it is as much 
an inhabitant of Pennsylvania and New York as Carolina. The 
small red-bellied sitta is called canadensis by Latham, a name 
equally objectionable with the other. Turdus minor seems also 
improper; in short I consider this part of the business as pecu- 
liarly perplexing; and I beg to have your opinion on the matter, 
particularly with respect to the birds I have mentioned, whether 
I shall hazard a new nomenclature, or, by copying, sanction 
what I do not approve of. 
“ I hope you are in good health, enjoying in your little Para- 
dise the advances of spring, shedding leaves, buds and blossoms, 
around her; and bringing in her train choirs of the sweetest 
songsters that earth can boast of; while every zephyr that plays 
around you breathes fragrance. Ah ! how different my situation 
in this delightful season, immured among musty books, and 
compelled to forego the harmony of the woods for the everlast- 
ing din of the city ; the very face of the blessed heavens involv- 
ed in soot, and interrupted by walls and chimney tops. But if 
I don’t lanch out into the woods and fields oftener than I have 
done these twelvemonths, may I be transformed into a street 
musician.” (The remainder of the MS. defaced.) 
All things being happily arranged, Wilson applied himself to 
his varied and extensive duties with a diligence which scarcely 
admitted repose; until finding his health much impaired there- 
by, he was induced to seek the benefits of relaxation, in a pe- 
destrian journey through a part of Pennsylvania; which afforded 
him a favourable opportunity of procuring specimens of birds; 
and -some additional information relating to them, of which he 
was very desirous to be possessed. This excursion was made 
in the month of August, 1807; and on his return he engaged in 
his avocations with renewed ardour; devoting every moment, 
which could be spared from his editorial duties, to his great 
work. 
At length in the month of September, 1808, the first volume 
of the “ American Ornithology” made its appearance. From 
