ALEXANDER WILSON. 
XXX11I 
<c addicted to the writing of verses, and to music ; and 
that, being of a musing turn of mind, he had given way to 
those seductive feelings, which the charming scenery of 
the country, in a susceptible heart, never fails to awaken.” 
An anecdote is related of his narrowly escaping from 
an accidental death by his own gun, during a ramble which 
he had taken, to relieve his dejected mind ; and at the 
thought of which he himself shuddered, lest it should have 
subjected his memory to the imputation of suicide. “ His 
friends,” continues the American Biographer, “ perceiving 
the danger of his situation, recommended the renouncing 
of poetry and the flute, and the substitution of the amuse- 
ment of drawing in their stead, as being most likely to 
restore the balance of his mind. For this end sketches of 
the human figure and landscapes were provided him ; but 
his attempts were so unpromising, that he threw them 
aside with disgust. Mr Bartram now advised a trial at 
birds ; and being tolerably skilful himself, exhibited his 
portfolio, which was graced with many specimens from 
his own hands. The attempt was made, and succeeded 
beyond the expectation of Mr Wilson or that of his 
friends. There was a magic in the employment which 
aroused all the energies of his soul ; he saw, as it were, 
the dayspring of a new creation ; and from being the 
humble follower of his instructors, he was soon qualified 
to lead the way in the charming art of imitating the works 
of the Great Original.” 
Now, we will admit, that this is a very pretty specimen 
of transatlantic magniloquence : and we are ready to 
accord all due praise to Messrs Bartram and Lawson for 
their benevolent attentions to our gifted countryman. But 
we do hold Wilson to have been made of sterner stuff 
than to have incurred any hazard of falling a victim to 
that “ malady most incident to maids.” We farther 
conceive, that little danger was to be apprehended from his 
being addicted to “ poetry, that loftiest mood of mind,” 
