clxvi 
LIFE OF WILSON. 
It is not unusual for scholars to keep diaries when they tra- 
vel. These writings are commonly the objects of great curi- 
osity, as we are all anxious to know what were the impressions 
which the incidents of a journey made upon the mind, when it 
was in the fitest state to receive them. 
For the gratification of the reader, I will make a few short 
extracts from Wilson’s Journal, as specimens of his mode of 
writing these unstudied narratives. 
“ March 9. — Visited a number of the literati and wealthy 
of Cincinnati, who all told me that they would think of it, viz. 
of subscribing: they are a veiy thoughtful people. 
“ March 17. — Rained and hailed all last night, set off at 
eight o’clock, after emptying my boat of the deluge of water. 
Rowed hard all day; at noon recruited myself with some bis- 
cuits, cheese and American wine. Reach the falls — night sets 
in — hear the roaring of the rapids. After excessive hard work 
arrive at Beargrass creek, and fasten my boat to a Kentucky 
one. Take my baggage and grope my way to Louisville — put 
up at the Indian Queen tavern, and gladly sit down to rest my- 
self. 
“ March 18. — Rose quite refreshed. Found a number of 
land speculators here. Titles to lands in Kentucky subject to 
great disputes. 
“ March 19. — Rambling round the town with my gun. Exa- 
mined Mr. ’s drawings in crayons — very good. Saw 
two new birds he had, both Motacillae. 
“ March 20. — Set out this afternoon with the gun —killed 
nothing new. People in taverns here devour their meals. 
Many shopkeepers board in taverns — also boatmen, land specu- 
lators, merchants, &c. No naturalist to keep me comjiany. 
‘‘ March 21. — Went out this afternoon shooting with Mr. 
A. Saw a number of Sandhill cranes. Pigeons numerous. 
“ March 23. — Packed up my things which I left in the care 
of a merchant here, to be sent on to Lexington; and having 
parted, with great regret, with my paroquet, to the gentlemen 
of the tavern, I bade adieu to Louisville, to which place I had 
