ALEXANDER WILSON. 
lxxxv 
Wilson, during his wanderings through the pathless forests 
of America. We have known it fondly cherished, as 
the dearest possible recompense, in those who, like him, 
had the structure of their own fortunes to build. And 
all that we contend for is, that while these strong prin- 
ciples cannot banish early and deep-seated filial affection, 
they prevent the entrance of newer and weaker attach- 
ments ; and thus, we think, a solution may be given of 
what otherwise appears contradictory in Wilson’s character. 
With regard to the scientific and literary merit of his 
great work, it is neither our province nor our inclination 
to speak; the one being sufficiently cared for by the 
very distinguished naturalist, by whom this edition is pre- 
pared, while the other must of itself be evident to every 
reader. This much, however, we may say, that from 
the prefaces and descriptions, passages might be selected, 
which, for elegance of language, graceful ease, and graphic 
power, could scarcely be surpassed by any within the 
compass of British literature. We might instance his 
description of the Mocking Bird, and of the Bald Eagle ; 
and nothing can be finer than the simple and natural 
beauty of the general preface to his first volume. There 
may be found also, throughout the body of the work, 
many striking incidents, illustrative at once of the man, 
and of the difficulties to which he was subjected, during 
his toilsome and hazardous undertaking ; but these we 
have considered it unnecessary and inexpedient to extract, - 
as they will be read with peculiar interest in the places 
where they naturally occur. 
To peruse the annals of real life is, perhaps, at once the 
most entertaining and the most useful mode of prosecuting 
the study of man. And of such annals the most instruc- 
ting are those in which we see persevering efforts over- 
come the most formidable obstacles, and distinguished 
eminence gradually winning its arduous ascent above the 
mists of obscurity and depression. For it is no illegiti- 
