xl 
LIFE OF 
perseverance I could wish. Chief part of what I do is sketched 
by candle light ; and for this I am obliged to sacrifice the pleasures 
of social life, and the agreeable moments which I might enjoy in 
company with you and your amiable friend.”* 
As Wilson acquired proficiency in this his new art, he began to 
examine such ornithological works as he could obtain, and con- 
ceived the idea of illustrating the ornithology of the United States . 
Over this wish he long pondered, before he could assume confi- 
dence to make it known to his friends. He at last resolved to 
intrust his venerable adviser, Bartram, with his views, who, zealous 
for every thing that would promote his favourite science of nature, 
entered warmly into the plan, and freely expressed his confidence 
in the abilities and acquirements of Wilson.f The scheme was 
now unfolded to Mr Lawson, and met his approbation, though he 
began to make calculations which did not at all keep pace with the 
sanguine anticipations of our author, and even caused, for a little 
while, a sort of coolness between these friends. It was soon, how- 
ever, forgotten, and Wilson, some time after, writes : — “ I never was 
more wishful to spend an afternoon with you. In three weeks I 
shall have a few days’ vacancy, and mean to be in town chief part 
of the time. I am most earnestly bent on pursuing my plan of 
making a collection of all the birds in this part of North America, 
Now, I don’t want you to throw cold water, as Shakespeare says* 
on this notion, Quixotic as it may appear. I have been so long 
accustomed to the building of airy castles, and brain windmills, 
that it has become one of my earthly comforts, — a sort of rough 
bone, that amuses me when sated with the dull drudgery of life.” 
No plan appears now to have been matured for commencing this 
undertaking, and Wilson went on, with great zeal, improving his 
talents as a draughtsman, and adding to a rapidly increasing col- 
lection of birds. The following letter will best shew the zeal with 
which he pursued this study, and the intimate terms of friendship 
which existed between him and Mr Bartram, who was now suffering 
under severe affliction : 
* Letter to Bartram. 
f Ord’s Memoirs, p. xxxix. 
3 
