LIFE OF WILSON. 
cli 
Sylva, in Paris, with coloured plates. I expect them here 
soon. 
“ I collected a number of entire new species in my south- 
western tour; and in my return I visited several of the islands 
off the Florida shore, where I met with some very curious land 
birds. 
“ Mr. Dunbar, of Natchez, remembered you very well, and 
desired me to carry his good wishes to you.” 
TO ME. WM. DUNCAN, FRANKFORD, PENN. 
Philadelphia, February 12, 1811. 
“ So you have once more ascended the preceptor’s rostrum, 
to wield the terrors of the taws and hickory. Trying as this 
situation is, and various and distracting as its avocations some- 
times undoubtedly are, it is elysium to the scenes which you 
have lately emerged from ; and as far transcends these latter, as 
honourable independence towers above despised and insulted 
servitude. You wish me to suggest any hints I may think 
proper for your present situation. Your own experience and 
prudence render any thing I could advise unnecessary, as it is 
all included in the two resolutions which you have already ta- 
ken; first, to distinguish, as clearly as possible, the whole ex- 
tent of your duty; and, secondly, to fulfil every item of that to 
the best of your abilities. Accordingly, the more extensive 
and powerful these are, the greater good you will be capable 
of doing; the higher and more dignified will your reputation 
be; and the easier and calmer will your deportment be, under 
every circumstance of duty. You have but these two things 
to surmount, and the whole routine of teaching will become an 
agreeable amusement; and every closing day will shed over 
your mind that blissful tranquillity, which nothing earthly 
gives or can destroy.” 
“ Devote your whole time, except what is proper for need- 
ful exercise, to rendering yourself completely master of your 
business. For this purpose rise by the peep of dawn; take 
your regular walk; and then commence your stated studies. 
