ALEXANDER WILSON. 
xlv 
it releases from certain restraints, imposed by a different 
structure of society, and may therefore be supposed to give 
a freer scope to the energies of individuals, is so cramped 
by the domination of a niggardly and parsimonious spirit, 
that it can neither call them into action, nor recompense 
their exertions. If it affords ample space for genius to 
rear its laurelled growth, it is the barren space of the 
sandy desert, where there flow no fertilizing rivers, and 
there drop no refreshing dews. The truth appears to be, 
that where the honours of society are worn, there the orna- 
ments of society are most encouraged. And this much 
may be said, that if Wilson gained no advantage, Jefferson 
lost the opportunity of having won himself imperishable 
honour, by patronizing a man of true genius, of nature’s 
own nobility,- — the high nobility of mind. 
His undeniable merit, however, had now become so 
extensively known, as to relieve him from the necessity 
of depending upon any man’s patronage. Mr Bradford, 
bookseller, of Philadelphia, being about to publish a new 
edition of Rees’s New Cyclopcedia , Wilson was recom- 
mended to him, as one qualified to superintend the work, 
and was engaged at a liberal salary as assistant editor. 
He was accordingly enabled to relinquish the toilsome and 
harassing life of a schoolmaster, which he had so long 
led, and to devote his unfettered energies to his favourite 
pursuits. Not long after this engagement, he unfolded to 
Mr Bradford his views on the subject of an American 
Ornithology ; and exhibited such evidence of his ability 
to execute the work, that Mr Bradford promptly agreed 
to take upon himself the risk of publishing it. And now, 
at last, Wilson found those obstructions entirely removed 
which had so long opposed his favourite enterprize. To 
his editorial duties, and to the prosecution of his chosen 
study, he applied with unremitting assiduity, scarcely 
allowing himself a moment’s relaxation ; till, finding his 
health suffering, he indulged himself in a pedestrian 
d 1 
