t 7 ] 
fell under his notice. A attention to natural, 
more than pi£lurelque beauty claimed his earlieft care s 
Birds firll engaged his particular attention; and 
having purchaied Tome of the heft pictures of theie 
iubjecls, he was Induced to make a few drawings of 
liis own ; which were admired by the curious, who 
encouraged our young naturalift to proceed, by pay** 
ing a good price for his early labours. 
Among his firh patrons and benefadlors may be 
mentioned James Theobalds, Elq; of Lambeth; a 
gentleman zealous for the promotion oflcience. Our 
artift, thus unexpectedly encouraged, increaled in 
fkilland affiduity, and procured, by his application to 
his favourite purfuit, a decent fubliltence, and a large 
acquaintance. However, he remitted his induftry in 
1751, when, in company of two of his relations, he 
made an excurlion to Holland and Brabant , where he 
collected feveral Icarce books and prints, and had an 
opportunity to examine the original pictures of leve* 
ral great mailers at Antwerp , BruJJels , Utretch , and 
other great cities. 
In December 1 755, by the recommendation of the 
great Sir Hans Sloane, Bart, prefident of the col* 
lege 
