Xll 
LIFE OF 
to the present date, and are beautifully illustrated in the important 
second volume of the Northern Zoology , by Dr Richardson and Mr 
Swainson. To these may be added, though last, certainly not 
least, the magnificent work of Mr Audubon, now in course of 
publication, while its enterprising author is traversing the wilds 
of America in search of objects for its completion. 
The naturalists who have contributed to our knowledge of the 
ornithology of North America, bearing this high rank, on account 
of the merit of their respective works, let us endeavour to trace the 
life of him who set the example, and, who, by perseverance amidst 
many difficulties, nearly brought to a conclusion one of the most 
extensive of these works. 
The population of the manufacturing districts differs most 
essentially in its constitution and character, from the other parts 
of the community of Great Britain. Composed of men primarily 
devoted to the acquisition of independence, activity and deci- 
sion form a strong feature in their dispositions, and stamps them 
with vivid impressions of the worldly changes which may ulti- 
mately conduce to the loss or prosperity of their engagements. 
In Paisley, the largest manufacturing town in Scotland, the middle 
and operative classes, in whose sphere the individual about whom 
we are now interested chiefly moved, are respectable and indus- 
trious — or idle, of restless dispositions, and preferring dissipation 
and revelry, according to the habits they had formed on their early 
entrance into the world. The greater part of the employment 
in this important town, is given out in piece, which permits the 
labourer to enjoy a greater proportion of leisure than he could do, 
by the more usual method of working a fixed time. A little 
exertion and assiduity will allow him some hours of relaxa- 
tion, and the manner in which this is spent, often bears a high 
influence on the future prospects of the individual. Numerous 
clubs have at various times been instituted, to which most of the 
operatives resort, and spend their leisure time, according to their 
inclinations. In some, intemperance prevails, with the high and 
wrangling discussion of the affairs and conduct of their different 
masters, and the politics of the day. What are called liberal 
sentiments are promulgated ; and, with the assistance of the more 
radical newspapers, the foundation is laid for that jealousy of the 
