LIFE OF WILSON. ci 
saying that the reed-birds or rice-birds pass from the Island of 
Cuba, in September, to Carolina? All the Spaniards with whom 
I have conversed, say that these birds are seen in Cuba, early 
in the spring only, and again in October. And the people of 
the District of Maine, of all the New England states, and those 
who have lived on the river Illinois, declare that these birds 
breed there in vast numbers. 
“I have many times been told that our small snow-bird 
( fringilla hudsonia ) breeds in the Great Swamp, which I 
can hardly believe. 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 dis- 
tant, 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 matters?” 
TO MK. WM. BARTRAM. 
Philadelphia^ Nov. 11, 1809. 
“ Dear Sir, 
Since I parted from you yesterday evening, I have rumi- 
nated a great deal on my proposed journey; I have considered 
the advantages and disadvantages of the three modes of pro- 
ceeding: 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 sci- 
entific traveller or naturalist, in every point of view. I have 
also thought that by this determination I will be so happy as 
to secure your company, for which I would willingly sustain 
as much hardship, and as many deprivations, as I am able to 
bear. 
