LIFE OF WILSON. 
xcix 
that my own observations suggested, or that I have been ena- 
bled to collect from those on whom I could rely. As it has fallen 
to my lot to be the biographer of the feathered tribes of the 
United States, I am solicitous to do full justice to every species; 
and I would not conceal one good quality that any one of them 
possesses. I have paid particular attention to the mocking-bird, 
humming-bird, king-bird and cat-bird; all the principal traits 
in their character I have delineated at full. If you have any 
thing to add on either of them, I wish you would communicate 
it in the form of a letter, addressed particularly to me. Your fa- 
vourable opinion of my work (if such you have) would, if pub- 
licly known, be of infinite service to me, and procure me many 
friends. * 
^‘1 assure you, my dear friend, that this undertaking has 
involved me in many difficulties and expenses which I never 
dreamt of;t and I have never yet received one cent from it. I 
* This instance of Wilson’s diffidence of liis own talents and acquirements 
is too remarkable to be passed over without a note. He seemed to fear lest 
tile intrinsic merit of his work should not be sufficient, of itself, to get it into 
notice; and therefore he solicited the favourable opinion of one, to whose 
judgment in these matters, he felt assured, the public paid a deference. 
Contrasted witli this modest depoitment, how contemptible is the vanity, and 
self conceit, of those writers, who, whether they compose a superficial essay, 
for the transactions of a learned society, or compile a bald and meager pam- 
phlet, present themselves before the public with an air of importance, which 
should seem to demand that countenance and applause, as a matter of right, 
which true merit humbly requests as a favoui’. 
t The great expense of the publication prevented the author fi-om giving 
all his plates that finish which his taste and judgment would have approved; 
but tliat in some instances extraorffinary pains were bestowed upon them, a 
cursory glance will render evident. I have Mr. Lawson’s autliority for assert- 
ing, that, so anxious was he to encom’age his friend, frequently after compu- 
ting the time spent upon perfecting his work, he found Ins reward did not 
amount to more Hinn Jifly cents per day. 
From a note to this gentleman, I make the following extract, relating to 
the bald eagle: 
“ I hope you go on courageously with the eagle; let no expense deter you 
from giving it the freest and most masterly touches of your graver. I tliink 
we shall be able to offer it as a competitor with the best tliat this country or 
Europe can produce.” 
