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diff --git a/7404-h/7404-h.htm b/7404-h/7404-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..8b38c7a --- /dev/null +++ b/7404-h/7404-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,3751 @@ +<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> +<HTML> +<HEAD> +<TITLE>The Project Gutenberg eBook of John James Audubon, by John Burroughs</TITLE> +<META HTTP-EQUIV="content-Type" CONTENT="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1"> + <style type="text/css"> + <!-- + * { font-family: Times;} + P { text-indent: 1em; + margin-top: .75em; + font-size: 14pt; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; } + HR { width: 33%; } + // --> + </style> +</HEAD> +<BODY> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of John James Audubon, by John Burroughs + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most +other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions +whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of +the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at +www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have +to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. + +Title: John James Audubon + +Author: John Burroughs + +Posting Date: September 1, 2014 [EBook #7404] +Release Date: February, 2005 +First Posted: April 24, 2003 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK JOHN JAMES AUDUBON *** + + + + +Produced by Eric Eldred, Robert Connal, David Garcia, and +the Online Distributed Proofreading Team + + + + + + +</pre> + + + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><br> + <br> + + <h1> + JOHN JAMES AUDUBON + </h1> + <center> + <b><i>John Burroughs</i><br></b> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <b>TO C. B.</b> + </center> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + PREFACE. + </h2> + <p> + The pioneer in American ornithology was Alexander Wilson, a + Scotch weaver and poet, who emigrated to this country in + 1794, and began the publication of his great work upon our + birds in 1808. He figured and described three hundred and + twenty species, fifty-six of them new to science. His death + occurred in 1813, before the publication of his work had been + completed. + </p> + <p> + But the chief of American ornithologists was John James + Audubon. Audubon did not begin where Wilson left off. He was + also a pioneer, beginning his studies and drawings of the + birds probably as early as Wilson did his, but he planned + larger and lived longer. He spent the greater part of his + long life in the pursuit of ornithology, and was of a more + versatile, flexible, and artistic nature than was Wilson. He + was collecting the material for his work at the same time + that Wilson was collecting his, but he did not begin the + publication of it till fourteen years after Wilson's death. + Both men went directly to Nature and underwent incredible + hardships in exploring the woods and marshes in quest of + their material. Audubon's rambles were much wider, and + extended over a much longer period of time. Wilson, too, + contemplated a work upon our quadrupeds, but did not live to + begin it. Audubon was blessed with good health, length of + years, a devoted and self-sacrificing wife, and a buoyant, + sanguine, and elastic disposition. He had the heavenly gift + of enthusiasm—a passionate love for the work he set out + to do. He was a natural hunter, roamer, woodsman; as + unworldly as a child, and as simple and transparent. We have + had better trained and more scientific ornithologists since + his day, but none with his abandon and poetic fervour in the + study of our birds. + </p> + <p> + Both men were famous pedestrians and often walked hundreds of + miles at a stretch. They were natural explorers and voyagers. + They loved Nature at first hand, and not merely as she + appears in books and pictures. They both kept extensive + journals of their wanderings and observations. Several of + Audubon's (recording his European experiences) seem to have + been lost or destroyed, but what remain make up the greater + part of two large volumes recently edited by his + grand-daughter, Maria R. Audubon. + </p> + <p> + I wish here to express my gratitude both to Miss Audubon, and + to Messrs. Charles Scribner's Sons, for permitting me to draw + freely from the "Life and Journals" just mentioned. The + temptation is strong to let Audubon's graphic and glowing + descriptions of American scenery, and of his tireless + wanderings, speak for themselves. + </p> + <p> + It is from these volumes, and from the life by his widow, + published in 1868, that I have gathered the material for this + brief biography. + </p> + <p> + Audubon's life naturally divides itself into three periods: + his youth, which was on the whole a gay and happy one, and + which lasted till the time of his marriage at the age of + twenty-eight; his business career which followed, lasting ten + or more years, and consisting mainly in getting rid of the + fortune his father had left him; and his career as an + ornithologist which, though attended with great hardships and + privations, brought him much happiness and, long before the + end, substantial pecuniary rewards. + </p> + <p> + His ornithological tastes and studies really formed the main + current of his life from his teens onward. During his + business ventures in Kentucky and elsewhere this current came + to the surface more and more, absorbed more and more of his + time and energies, and carried him further and further from + the conditions of a successful business career. + </p> + <p> + <br> + J. B.<br> + WEST PARK, NEW YORK, January, 1902. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + CHRONOLOGY + </h2> + <h3> + 1780 + </h3> + <p> + <i>May 4</i>. John James La Forest Audubon was born at + Mandeville, Louisiana. + </p> + <p> + (Paucity of dates and conflicting statements make it + impossible to insert dates to show when the family moved to + St. Domingo, and thence to France.) + </p> + <h3> + 1797 (?) + </h3> + <p> + Returned to America from France. Here followed life at Mill + Grove Farm, near Philadelphia. + </p> + <h3> + 1805 or 6 + </h3> + <p> + Again in France for about two years. Studied under David, the + artist. Then returned to America. + </p> + <h3> + 1808 + </h3> + <p> + <i>April</i> 8. Married Lucy Bakewell, and journeyed to + Louisville, Kentucky, to engage in business with one Rozier. + </p> + <h3> + 1810 + </h3> + <p> + <i>March</i>. First met Wilson, the ornithologist. + </p> + <h3> + 1812 + </h3> + <p> + Dissolved partnership with Rozier. + </p> + <h3> + 1808-1819 + </h3> + <p> + Various business ventures in Louisville, Hendersonville, and + St. Geneviève, Kentucky, again at Hendersonville, + thence again to Louisville. + </p> + <h3> + 1819 + </h3> + <p> + Abandoned business career. Became taxidermist in Cincinnati. + </p> + <h3> + 1820 + </h3> + <p> + Left Cincinnati. Began to form definite plans for the + publication of his drawings. Returned to New Orleans. + </p> + <h3> + 1822 + </h3> + <p> + Went to Natchez by steamer. Gunpowder ruined two hundred of + his drawings on this trip. Obtained position of + Drawing-master in the college at Washington, Mississippi. At + the close of this year took his first lessons in oils. + </p> + <h3> + 1824 + </h3> + <p> + Went to Philadelphia to get his drawings published. Thwarted. + There met Sully, and Prince Canino. + </p> + <h3> + 1826 + </h3> + <p> + Sailed for Europe to introduce his drawings. + </p> + <h3> + 1827 + </h3> + <p> + Issued prospectus of his "Birds." + </p> + <h3> + 1828 + </h3> + <p> + Went to Paris to canvass. Visited Cuvier. + </p> + <h3> + 1829 + </h3> + <p> + Returned to the United States, scoured the woods for more + material for his biographies. + </p> + <h3> + 1830 + </h3> + <p> + Returned to London with his family. + </p> + <h3> + 1830-1839 + </h3> + <p> + Elephant folio, <i>The Birds of North America</i>, published. + </p> + <h3> + 1831-39 + </h3> + <p> + <i>American Ornithological Biography</i> published in + Edinburgh. + </p> + <h3> + 1831 + </h3> + <p> + Again in America for nearly three years. + </p> + <h3> + 1832-33 + </h3> + <p> + In Florida, South Carolina, and the Northern States, + Labrador, and Canada. + </p> + <h3> + 1834 + </h3> + <p> + Completion of second volume of "Birds," also second volume of + <i>American Ornithological Biography</i>. + </p> + <h3> + 1835 + </h3> + <p> + In Edinburgh. + </p> + <h3> + 1836 + </h3> + <p> + To New York again—more exploring; found books, papers + and drawings had been destroyed by fire, the previous year. + </p> + <h3> + 1837 + </h3> + <p> + Went to London. + </p> + <h3> + 1838 + </h3> + <p> + Published fourth volume of <i>American Ornithological + Biography</i>. + </p> + <h3> + 1839 + </h3> + <p> + Published fifth volume of "Biography." + </p> + <h3> + 1840 + </h3> + <p> + Left England for the last time. + </p> + <h3> + 1842 + </h3> + <p> + Built house in New York on "Minnie's Land," now Audubon Park. + </p> + <h3> + 1843 + </h3> + <p> + Yellowstone River Expedition. + </p> + <h3> + 1840-44 + </h3> + <p> + Published the reduced edition of his "Bird Biographies." + </p> + <h3> + 1846 + </h3> + <p> + Published first volume of "Quadrupeds." + </p> + <h3> + 1848 + </h3> + <p> + Completed <i>Quadrupeds and Biography of American + Quadrupeds</i>. (The last volume was not published till 1854, + after his death.) + </p> + <h3> + 1851 + </h3> + <p> + <i>January 27</i>. John James Audubon died in New York. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h1> + JOHN JAMES AUDUBON. + </h1> + <h2> + I. + </h2> + <p> + There is a hopeless confusion as to certain important dates + in Audubon's life. He was often careless and unreliable in + his statements of matters of fact, which weakness during his + lifetime often led to his being accused of falsehood. Thus he + speaks of the "memorable battle of Valley Forge" and of two + brothers of his, both officers in the French army, as having + perished in the French Revolution, when he doubtless meant + uncles. He had previously stated that his only two brothers + died in infancy. He confessed that he had no head for + mathematics, and he seems always to have been at sea in + regard to his own age. In his letters and journals there are + several references to his age, but they rarely agree. The + date of his birth usually given, May 4, 1780, is probably + three or four years too early, as he speaks of himself as + being nearly seventeen when his mother had him confirmed in + the Catholic Church, and this was about the time that his + father, then an officer in the French navy, was sent to + England to effect a change of prisoners, which time is given + as 1801. + </p> + <p> + The two race strains that mingle in him probably account for + this illogical habit of mind, as well as for his romantic and + artistic temper and tastes. + </p> + <p> + His father was a sea-faring man and a Frenchman; his mother + was a Spanish Creole of Louisiana—the old chivalrous + Castilian blood modified by new world conditions. The father, + through commercial channels, accumulated a large property in + the island of St. Domingo. In the course of his trading he + made frequent journeys to Louisiana, then the property of the + French government. On one of these trips, probably, he + married one of the native women, who is said to have + possessed both wealth and beauty. The couple seem to have + occupied for a time a plantation belonging to a French + Marquis, situated at Mandeville on the North shore of Lake + Pontchartrain. Here three sons were born to them, of whom + John James La Forest was the third. The daughter seems to + have been younger. + </p> + <p> + His own mother perished in a slave insurrection in St. + Domingo, where the family had gone to live on the Audubon + estate at Aux Cayes, when her child was but a few months old. + Audubon says that his father with his plate and money and + himself, attended by a few faithful servants, escaped to New + Orleans. What became of his sister he does not say, though + she must have escaped with them, since we hear of her + existence years later. Not long after, how long we do not + know, the father returned to France, where he married a + second time, giving the son, as he himself says, the only + mother he ever knew. This woman proved a rare exception among + stepmothers—but she was too indulgent, and, Audubon + says, completely spoiled him, bringing him up to live like a + gentleman, ignoring his faults and boasting of his merits, + and leading him to believe that fine clothes and a full + pocket were the most desirable things in life. + </p> + <p> + This she was able to do all the more effectively because the + father soon left the son in her charge and returned to the + United States in the employ of the French government, and + before long became attached to the army under La Fayette. + This could not have been later than 1781, the year of + Cornwallis' surrender, and Audubon would then have been + twenty-one, but this does not square with his own statements. + After the war the father still served some years in the + French navy, but finally retired from active service and + lived at La Gerbétière in France, where he died + at the age of ninety-five, in 1818. + </p> + <p> + Audubon says of his mother: "Let no one speak of her as my + step-mother. I was ever to her as a son of her own flesh and + blood and she was to me a true mother." With her he lived in + the city of Nantes, France, where he appears to have gone to + school. It was, however, only from his private tutors that he + says he got any benefit. His father desired him to follow in + his footsteps, and he was educated accordingly, studying + drawing, geography, mathematics, fencing, and music. + Mathematics he found hard dull work, as have so many men of + like temperament, before and since, but music and fencing and + geography were more to his liking. He was an ardent, + imaginative youth, and chafed under all drudgery and routine. + His foster-mother, in the absence of his father, suffered him + to do much as he pleased, and he pleased to "play hookey" + most of the time, joining boys of his own age and + disposition, and deserting the school for the fields and + woods, hunting birds' nests, fishing and shooting and + returning home at night with his basket filled with various + natural specimens and curiosities. The collecting fever is + not a bad one to take possession of boys at this age. + </p> + <p> + In his autobiography Audubon relates an incident that + occurred when he was a child, which he thinks first kindled + his love for birds. It was an encounter between a pet parrot + and a tame monkey kept by his mother. One morning the parrot, + Mignonne, asked as usual for her breakfast of bread and milk, + whereupon the monkey, being in a bad humour, attacked the + poor defenceless bird, and killed it. Audubon screamed at the + cruel sight, and implored the servant to interfere and save + the bird, but without avail. The boy's piercing screams + brought the mother, who succeeded in tranquillising the + child. The monkey was chained, and the parrot buried, but the + tragedy awakened in him a lasting love for his feathered + friends. + </p> + <p> + Audubon's father seems to have been the first to direct his + attention to the study of birds, and to the observance of + Nature generally. Through him he learned to notice the + beautiful colourings and markings of the birds, to know their + haunts, and to observe their change of plumage with the + changing seasons; what he learned of their mysterious + migrations fired his imagination. + </p> + <p> + He speaks of this early intimacy with Nature as a feeling + which bordered on frenzy. Watching the growth of a bird from + the egg he compares to the unfolding of a flower from the + bud. + </p> + <p> + The pain which he felt in seeing the birds die and decay was + very acute, but, fortunately, about this time some one showed + him a book of illustrations, and henceforth "a new life ran + in my veins," he says. To copy Nature was thereafter his one + engrossing aim. + </p> + <p> + That he realised how crude his early efforts were is shown by + his saying: "My pencil gave birth to a family of cripples." + His steady progress, too, is shown in his custom, on every + birthday, of burning these 'Crippled' drawings, then setting + to work to make better, truer ones. + </p> + <p> + His father returning from a sea voyage, probably when the son + was about twenty years old, was not well pleased with the + progress that the boy was making in his studies. One morning + soon after, Audubon found himself with his trunk and his + belongings in a private carriage, beside his father, on his + way to the city of Rochefort. The father occupied himself + with a book and hardly spoke to his son during the several + days of the journey, though there was no anger in his face. + After they were settled in their new abode, he seated his son + beside him and taking one of his hands in his, calmly said: + "My beloved boy, thou art now safe. I have brought thee here + that I may be able to pay constant attention to thy studies; + thou shalt have ample time for pleasures, but the remainder + <i>must</i> be employed with industry and care." + </p> + <p> + But the father soon left him on some foreign mission for his + government and the boy chafed as usual under his tasks and + confinement. One day, too much mathematics drove him into + making his escape by leaping from the window, and making off + through the gardens attached to the school where he was + confined. A watchful corporal soon overhauled him, however, + and brought him back, where he was confined on board some + sort of prison ship in the harbour. His father soon returned, + when he was released, not without a severe reprimand. + </p> + <p> + We next find him again in the city of Nantes struggling with + more odious mathematics, and spending all his leisure time in + the fields and woods, studying the birds. About this time he + began a series of drawings of the French birds, which grew to + upwards of two hundred, all bad enough, he says, but yet real + representations of birds, that gave him a certain pleasure. + They satisfied his need of expression. + </p> + <p> + At about this time, too, though the year we do not know, his + father concluded to send him to the United States, apparently + to occupy a farm called Mill Grove, which the father had + purchased some years before, on the Schuylkill river near + Philadelphia. In New York he caught the yellow fever: he was + carefully nursed by two Quaker ladies who kept a boarding + house in Morristown, New Jersey. + </p> + <p> + In due time his father's agent, Miers Fisher, also a Quaker, + removed him to his own villa near Philadelphia, and here + Audubon seems to have remained some months. But the gay and + ardent youth did not find the atmosphere of the place + congenial. The sober Quaker grey was not to his taste. His + host was opposed to music of all kinds, and to dancing, + hunting, fishing and nearly all other forms of amusement. + More than that, he had a daughter between whom and Audubon he + apparently hoped an affection would spring up. But Audubon + took an unconquerable dislike to her. Very soon, therefore, + he demanded to be put in possession of the estate to which + his father had sent him. + </p> + <p> + Of the month and year in which he entered upon his life at + Mill Grove, we are ignorant. We know that he fell into the + hands of another Quaker, William Thomas, who was the tenant + on the place, but who, with his worthy wife, seems to have + made life pleasant for him. He soon became attached to Mill + Grove, and led a life there just suited to his temperament. + </p> + <p> + "Hunting, fishing, drawing, music, occupied my every moment; + cares I knew not and cared naught about them. I purchased + excellent and beautiful horses, visited all such neighbours + as I found congenial spirits, and was as happy as happy could + be." + </p> + <p> + Near him there lived an English family by the name of + Bakewell, but he had such a strong antipathy to the English + that he postponed returning the call of Mr. Bakewell, who had + left his card at Mill Grove during one of Audubon's + excursions to the woods. In the late fall or early winter, + however, he chanced to meet Mr. Bakewell while out hunting + grouse, and was so pleased with him and his well-trained + dogs, and his good marksmanship, that he apologised for his + discourtesy in not returning his call, and promised to do so + forthwith. Not many mornings thereafter he was seated in his + neighbour's house. + </p> + <p> + "Well do I recollect the morning," he says in the + autobiographical sketch which he prepared for his sons, "and + may it please God that I never forget it, when for the first + time I entered Mr. Bakewell's dwelling. It happened that he + was absent from home, and I was shown into a parlour where + only one young lady was snugly seated at her work by the + fire. She rose on my entrance, offered me a seat, assured me + of the gratification her father would feel on his return, + which, she added, would be in a few moments, as she would + despatch a servant for him. Other ruddy cheeks and bright + eyes made their transient appearance, but, like spirits gay, + soon vanished from my sight; and there I sat, my gaze + riveted, as it were, on the young girl before me, who, half + working, half talking, essayed to make the time pleasant to + me. Oh! may God bless her! It was she, my dear sons, who + afterwards became my beloved wife, and your mother. Mr. + Bakewell soon made his appearance, and received me with the + manner and hospitality of a true English gentleman. The other + members of the family were soon introduced to me, and Lucy + was told to have luncheon produced. She now rose from her + seat a second time, and her form, to which I had paid but + partial attention, showed both grace and beauty; and my heart + followed every one of her steps. The repast over, dogs and + guns were made ready. + </p> + <p> + "Lucy, I was pleased to believe, looked upon me with some + favour, and I turned more especially to her on leaving. I + felt that certain '<i>Je ne sais quoi</i>' which intimated + that, at least, she was not indifferent to me." + </p> + <p> + The winter that followed was a gay and happy one at Mill + Grove; shooting parties, skating parties, house parties with + the Bakewell family, were of frequent occurrence. It was + during one of these skating excursions upon the Perkiomen in + quest of wild ducks, that Audubon had a lucky escape from + drowning. He was leading the party down the river in the dusk + of the evening, with a white handkerchief tied to a stick, + when he came suddenly upon a large air hole into which, in + spite of himself, his impetus carried him. Had there not + chanced to be another air hole a few yards below, our hero's + career would have ended then and there. The current quickly + carried him beneath the ice to this other opening where he + managed to seize hold of the ice and to crawl out. + </p> + <p> + His friendship with the Bakewell family deepened. Lucy taught + Audubon English, he taught her drawing, and their friendship + very naturally ripened into love, which seems to have run its + course smoothly. + </p> + <p> + Audubon was happy. He had ample means, and his time was + filled with congenial pursuits. He writes in his journal: "I + had no vices, but was thoughtless, pensive, loving, fond of + shooting, fishing, and riding, and had a passion for raising + all sorts of fowls, which sources of interest and amusement + fully occupied my time. It was one of my fancies to be + ridiculously fond of dress; to hunt in black satin breeches, + wear pumps when shooting, and to dress in the finest ruffled + shirts I could obtain from France." + </p> + <p> + The evidences of vanity regarding his looks and apparel, + sometimes found in his journal, are probably traceable to his + foster-mother's unwise treatment of him in his youth. We have + seen how his father's intervention in the nick of time + exercised a salutary influence upon him at this point in his + career, directing his attention to the more solid + attainments. Whatever traces of this self-consciousness and + apparent vanity remained in after life, seem to have been + more the result of a naïve character delighting in + picturesqueness in himself as well as in Nature, than they + were of real vanity. + </p> + <p> + In later years he was assuredly nothing of the dandy; he + himself ridicules his youthful fondness for dress, while + those who visited him during his last years speak of him as + particularly lacking in self-consciousness. + </p> + <p> + Although he affected the dress of the dandies of his time, he + was temperate and abstemious. "I ate no butcher's meat, lived + chiefly on fruits, vegetables, and fish, and never drank a + glass of spirits or wine until my wedding day." "All this + time I was fair and rosy, strong and active as one of my age + and sex could be, and as active and agile as a buck." + </p> + <p> + That he was energetic and handy and by no means the mere + dandy that his extravagance in dress might seem to indicate, + is evidenced from the fact that about this time he made a + journey on foot to New York and accomplished the ninety miles + in three days in mid-winter. But he was angry, and anger is + better than wine to walk on. + </p> + <p> + The cause of his wrath was this; a lead mine had been + discovered upon the farm of Mill Grove, and Audubon had + applied to his father for counsel in regard to it. In + response, the elder Audubon had sent over a man by the name + of Da Costa who was to act as his son's partner and partial + guardian—was to teach him mineralogy and mining + engineering, and to look after his finances generally. But + the man, Audubon says, knew nothing of the subjects he was + supposed to teach, and was, besides, "a covetous wretch, who + did all he could to ruin my father, and, indeed, swindled + both of us to a large amount." Da Costa pushed his authority + so far as to object to Audubon's proposed union with Lucy + Bakewell, as being a marriage beneath him, and finally + plotted to get the young man off to India. These things very + naturally kindled Audubon's quick temper, and he demanded of + his tutor and guardian money enough to take him to France to + consult with his father. Da Costa gave him a letter of credit + on a sort of banker-broker residing in New York. To New York + he accordingly went, as above stated, and found that the + banker-broker was in the plot to pack him off to India. This + disclosure kindled his wrath afresh. He says that had he had + a weapon about him the banker's heart must have received the + result of his wrath. His Spanish blood began to declare + itself. + </p> + <p> + Then he sought out a brother of Mr. Bakewell and the uncle of + his sweetheart, and of him borrowed the money to take him to + France. He took passage on a New Bedford brig bound for + Nantes. The captain had recently been married and when the + vessel reached the vicinity of New Bedford, he discovered + some dangerous leaks which necessitated a week's delay to + repair damages. Audubon avers that the captain had caused + holes to be bored in the vessel's sides below the water line, + to gain an excuse to spend a few more days with his bride. + </p> + <p> + After a voyage of nineteen days the vessel entered the Loire, + and anchored in the lower harbour of Nantes, and Audubon was + soon welcomed by his father and fond foster-mother. + </p> + <p> + His first object was to have the man Da Costa disposed of, + which he soon accomplished; the second, to get his father's + consent to his marriage with Lucy Bakewell, which was also + brought about in due time, although the parents of both + agreed that they were "owre young to marry yet." + </p> + <p> + Audubon now remained two years in France, indulging his taste + for hunting, rambling, and drawing birds and other objects of + Natural History. + </p> + <p> + This was probably about the years 1805 and 1806. France was + under the sway of Napoleon, and conscriptions were the order + of the day. The elder Audubon became uneasy lest his son be + drafted into the French army; hence he resolved to send him + back to America. In the meantime, he interested one Rozier in + the lead mine and had formed a partnership between him and + his son, to run for nine years. In due course the two young + men sailed for New York, leaving France at a time when + thousands would have been glad to have followed their + footsteps. + </p> + <p> + On this voyage their vessel was pursued and overhauled by a + British privateer, the <i>Rattlesnake</i>, and nearly all + their money and eatables were carried off, besides two of the + ship's best sailors. Audubon and Rozier saved their gold by + hiding it under a cable in the bow of the ship. + </p> + <p> + On returning to Mill Grove, Audubon resumed his former habits + of life there. We hear no more of the lead mine, but more of + his bird studies and drawings, the love of which was fast + becoming his ruling passion. "Before I sailed for France, I + had begun a series of drawings of the birds of America, and + had also begun a study of their habits. I at first drew my + subject dead, by which I mean to say that after procuring a + specimen, I hung it up, either by the head, wing, or foot, + and copied it as closely as I could." Even the hateful Da + Costa had praised his bird pictures and had predicted great + things for him in this direction. His words had given Audubon + a great deal of pleasure. + </p> + <p> + Mr. William Bakewell, the brother of his Lucy, has given us a + glimpse of Audubon and his surroundings at this time. + "Audubon took me to his house, where he and his companion, + Rozier, resided, with Mrs. Thomas for an attendant. On + entering his room, I was astonished and delighted that it was + turned into a museum. The walls were festooned with all sorts + of birds' eggs, carefully blown out and strung on a thread. + The chimney piece was covered with stuffed squirrels, + raccoons and opossums; and the shelves around were likewise + crowded with specimens, among which were fishes, frogs, + snakes, lizards, and other reptiles. Besides these stuffed + varieties, many paintings were arrayed upon the walls, + chiefly of birds. He had great skill in stuffing and + preserving animals of all sorts. He had also a trick of + training dogs with great perfection, of which art his famous + dog Zephyr was a wonderful example. He was an admirable + marksman, an expert swimmer, a clever rider, possessed great + activity, prodigious strength, and was notable for the + elegance of his figure, and the beauty of his features, and + he aided Nature by a careful attendance to his dress. Besides + other accomplishments, he was musical, a good fencer, danced + well, had some acquaintance with legerdemain tricks, worked + in hair, and could plait willow baskets." He adds that + Audubon once swam across the Schuylkill with him on his back. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + II. + </h2> + <p> + Audubon was now eager to marry, but Mr. Bakewell advised him + first to study the mercantile business. This he accordingly + set out to do by entering as a clerk the commercial house of + Benjamin Bakewell in New York, while his friend Rozier + entered a French house in Philadelphia. + </p> + <p> + But Audubon was not cut out for business; his first venture + was in indigo, and cost him several hundred pounds. Rozier + succeeded no better; his first speculation was a cargo of + hams shipped to the West Indies which did not return one + fifth of the cost. Audubon's want of business habits is shown + by the statement that at this time he one day posted a letter + containing eight thousand dollars without sealing it. His + heart was in the fields and woods with the birds. His room + was filled with drying bird skins, the odour from which, it + is said, became so strong that his neighbours sent a + constable to him with a message to abate the nuisance. + </p> + <p> + Despairing of becoming successful business men in either New + York or Philadelphia, he and Rozier soon returned to Mill + Grove. During some of their commercial enterprises they had + visited Kentucky and thought so well of the outlook there + that now their thoughts turned thitherward. + </p> + <p> + Here we get the first date from Audubon; on April 8, 1808, he + and Lucy Bakewell were married. The plantation of Mill Grove + had been previously sold, and the money invested in goods + with which to open a store in Louisville, Kentucky. The day + after the marriage, Audubon and his wife and Mr. Rozier + started on their journey. In crossing the mountains to + Pittsburg the coach in which they were travelling upset, and + Mrs. Audubon was severely bruised. From Pittsburg they + floated down the Ohio in a flatboat in company with several + other young emigrant families. The voyage occupied twelve + days and was no doubt made good use of by Audubon in + observing the wild nature along shore. + </p> + <p> + In Louisville, he and Rozier opened a large store which + promised well. But Audubon's heart was more and more with the + birds, and his business more and more neglected. Rozier + attended to the counter, and, Audubon says, grew rich, but he + himself spent most of the time in the woods or hunting with + the planters settled about Louisville, between whom and + himself a warm attachment soon sprang up. He was not growing + rich, but he was happy. "I shot, I drew, I looked on Nature + only," he says, "and my days were happy beyond human + conception, and beyond this I really cared not." + </p> + <p> + He says that the only part of the commercial business he + enjoyed was the ever engaging journeys which he made to New + York and Philadelphia to purchase goods. + </p> + <p> + These journeys led him through the "beautiful, the darling + forests of Ohio, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania," and on one + occasion he says he lost sight of the pack horses carrying + his goods and his dollars, in his preoccupation with a new + warbler. + </p> + <p> + During his residence in Louisville, Alexander Wilson, his + great rival in American ornithology, called upon him. This is + Audubon's account of the meeting: "One fair morning I was + surprised by the sudden entrance into our counting room at + Louisville of Mr. Alexander Wilson, the celebrated author of + the American Ornithology, of whose existence I had never + until that moment been apprised. This happened in March, + 1810. How well do I remember him as he then walked up to me. + His long, rather hooked nose, the keenness of his eyes, and + his prominent cheek bones, stamped his countenance with a + peculiar character. His dress, too, was of a kind not usually + seen in that part of the country; a short coat, trousers and + a waistcoat of grey cloth. His stature was not above the + middle size. He had two volumes under his arm, and as he + approached the table at which I was working, I thought I + discovered something like astonishment in his countenance. + He, however, immediately proceeded to disclose the object of + his visit, which was to procure subscriptions for his work. + He opened his books, explained the nature of his occupations, + and requested my patronage. I felt surprised and gratified at + the sight of his volumes, turned over a few of the plates, + and had already taken my pen to write my name in his favour, + when my partner rather abruptly said to me in French: 'My + dear Audubon, what induces you to subscribe to this work! + Your drawings are certainly far better; and again, you must + know as much of the habits of American birds as this + gentleman.' Whether Mr. Wilson understood French or not, or + if the suddenness with which I paused disappointed him, I + cannot tell; but I clearly perceived he was not pleased. + Vanity, and the encomiums of my friend, prevented me from + subscribing. Mr. Wilson asked me if I had many drawings of + birds, I rose, took down a large portfolio, laid it on the + table, and showed him as I would show you, kind reader, or + any other person fond of such subjects, the whole of the + contents, with the same patience, with which he had showed me + his own engravings. His surprise appeared great, as he told + me he had never had the most distant idea that any other + individual than himself had been engaged in forming such a + collection. He asked me if it was my intention to publish, + and when I answered in the negative, his surprise seemed to + increase. And, truly, such was not my intention; for, until + long after, when I met the Prince of Musignano in + Philadelphia, I had not the least idea of presenting the + fruits of my labours to the world. Mr. Wilson now examined my + drawings with care, asked if I should have any objection to + lending him a few during his stay, to which I replied that I + had none. He then bade me good morning, not, however, until I + had made an arrangement to explore the woods in the vicinity + along with him, and had promised to procure for him some + birds, of which I had drawings in my collection, but which he + had never seen. It happened that he lodged in the same house + with us, but his retired habits, I thought, exhibited a + strong feeling of discontent, or a decided melancholy. The + Scotch airs which he played sweetly on his flute made me + melancholy, too, and I felt for him. I presented him to my + wife and friends, and seeing that he was all enthusiasm, + exerted myself as much as was in my power to procure for him + the specimens which he wanted. + </p> + <p> + "We hunted together and obtained birds which he had never + before seen; but, reader, I did not subscribe to his work, + for, even at that time, my collection was greater than his. + </p> + <p> + "Thinking that perhaps he might be pleased to publish the + results of my researches, I offered them to him, merely on + condition that what I had drawn, or might afterward draw and + send to him, should be mentioned in his work as coming from + my pencil. I at the same time offered to open a + correspondence with him, which I thought might prove + beneficial to us both. He made no reply to either proposal, + and before many days had elapsed, left Louisville on his way + to New Orleans, little knowing how much his talents were + appreciated in our little town, at least by myself and my + friends." + </p> + <p> + Wilson's account of this meeting is in curious contrast to + that of Audubon. It is meagre and unsatisfactory. Under date + of March 19, he writes in his diary at Louisville: "Rambled + around the town with my gun. Examined Mr. ——'s + [Audubon's] drawings in crayons—very good. Saw two new + birds he had, both <i>Motacillae</i>." + </p> + <p> + <i>March</i> 21. "Went out this afternoon shooting with Mr. + A. Saw a number of Sandhill cranes. Pigeons numerous." + </p> + <p> + Finally, in winding up the record of his visit to Louisville, + he says, with palpable inconsistency, not to say falsehood, + that he did not receive one act of civility there, nor see + one new bird, and found no naturalist to keep him company. + </p> + <p> + Some years afterward, Audubon hunted him up in Philadelphia, + and found him drawing a white headed eagle. He was civil, and + showed Audubon some attention, but "spoke not of birds or + drawings." + </p> + <p> + Wilson was of a nature far less open and generous than was + Audubon. It is evident that he looked upon the latter as his + rival, and was jealous of his superior talents; for superior + they were in many ways. Audubon's drawings have far more + spirit and artistic excellence, and his text shows far more + enthusiasm and hearty affiliation with Nature. In accuracy of + observation, Wilson is fully his equal, if not his superior. + </p> + <p> + As Audubon had deserted his business, his business soon + deserted him; he and his partner soon became discouraged (we + hear no more about the riches Rozier had acquired), and + resolved upon moving their goods to Hendersonville, Kentucky, + over one hundred miles further down the Ohio. Mrs. Audubon + and her baby son were sent back to her father's at Fatland + Ford where they remained upwards of a year. + </p> + <p> + Business at Hendersonville proved dull; the country was but + thinly inhabited and only the coarsest goods were in demand. + To procure food the merchants had to resort to fishing and + hunting. They employed a clerk who proved a good shot; he and + Audubon supplied the table while Rozier again stood behind + the counter. + </p> + <p> + How long the Hendersonville enterprise lasted we do not know. + Another change was finally determined upon, and the next + glimpse we get of Audubon, we see him with his clerk and + partner and their remaining stock in trade, consisting of + three hundred barrels of whiskey, sundry dry goods and + powder, on board a keel boat making their way down the Ohio, + in a severe snow storm, toward St. Geneviève, a + settlement on the Mississippi River, where they proposed to + try again. The boat is steered by a long oar, about sixty + feet in length, made of the trunk of a slender tree, and + shaped at its outer extremity like the fin of a dolphin; four + oars in the bow propelled her, and with the current they made + about five miles an hour. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Audubon, who seems to have returned from her father's, + with her baby, or babies, was left behind at Hendersonville + with a friend, until the result of the new venture should be + determined. + </p> + <p> + In the course of six weeks, after many delays, and adventures + with the ice and the cold, the party reached St. + Geneviève. + </p> + <p> + Audubon has given in his journal a very vivid and interesting + account of this journey. At St. Geneviève, the whiskey + was in great demand, and what had cost them twenty-five cents + a gallon, was sold for two dollars. But Audubon soon became + discouraged with the place and longed to be back in + Hendersonville with his family. He did not like the low bred + French-Canadians, who made up most of the population of the + settlement. He sold out his interest in the business to his + partner, who liked the place and the people, and here the two + parted company. Audubon purchased a fine horse and started + over the prairies on his return trip to Hendersonville. + </p> + <p> + On this journey he came near being murdered by a woman and + her two desperate sons who lived in a cabin on the prairies, + where the traveller put up for the night. He has given a + minute and graphic account of this adventure in his journal. + </p> + <p> + The cupidity of the woman had been aroused by the sight of + Audubon's gold watch and chain. A wounded Indian, who had + also sought refuge in the shanty had put Audubon upon his + guard. It was midnight, Audubon lay on some bear skins in one + corner of the room, feigning sleep. He had previously slipped + out of the cabin and had loaded his gun, which lay close at + hand. Presently he saw the woman sharpen a huge carving + knife, and thrust it into the hand of her drunken son, with + the injunction to kill yon stranger and secure the watch. He + was just on the point of springing up to shoot his would-be + murderers, when the door burst open, and two travellers, each + with a long knife, appeared. Audubon jumped up and told them + his situation. The drunken sons and the woman were bound, and + in the morning they were taken out into the woods and were + treated as the Regulators treated delinquents in those days. + They were shot. Whether Audubon did any of the shooting or + not, he does not say. But he aided and abetted, and his + Spanish blood must have tingled in his veins. Then the cabin + was set on fire, and the travellers proceeded on their way. + </p> + <p> + It must be confessed that this story sounds a good deal like + an episode in a dime novel, and may well be taken with a + grain of allowance. Did remote prairie cabins in those days + have grindstones and carving knives? And why should the + would-be murderers use a knife when they had guns? + </p> + <p> + Audubon reached Hendersonville in early March, and witnessed + the severe earthquake which visited that part of Kentucky the + following November, 1812. Of this experience we also have a + vivid account in his journals. + </p> + <p> + Audubon continued to live at Hendersonville, his pecuniary + means much reduced. He says that he made a pedestrian tour + back to St. Geneviève to collect money due him from + Rozier, walking the one hundred and sixty-five miles, much of + the time nearly ankle-deep in mud and water, in a little over + three days. Concerning the accuracy of this statement one + also has his doubts. Later he bought a "wild horse," and on + its back travelled over Tennessee and a portion of Georgia, + and so around to Philadelphia, later returning to + Hendersonville. + </p> + <p> + He continued his drawings of birds and animals, but, in the + meantime, embarked in another commercial venture, and for a + time prospered. Some years previously he had formed a + co-partnership with his wife's brother, and a commercial + house in charge of Bakewell had been opened in New Orleans. + This turned out disastrously and was a constant drain upon + his resources. + </p> + <p> + This partner now appears upon the scene at Hendersonville and + persuades Audubon to erect, at a heavy outlay, a steam grist + and saw mill, and to take into the firm an Englishman by the + name of Pease. + </p> + <p> + This enterprise brought fresh disaster. "How I laboured at + this infernal mill, from dawn till dark, nay, at times all + night." + </p> + <p> + They also purchased a steamboat which was so much additional + weight to drag them down. This was about the year 1817. From + this date till 1819, Audubon's pecuniary difficulties + increased daily. He had no business talent whatever; he was a + poet and an artist; he cared not for money, he wanted to be + alone with Nature. The forests called to him, the birds + haunted his dreams. + </p> + <p> + His father dying in 1818, left him a valuable estate in + France, and seventeen thousand dollars, deposited with a + merchant in Richmond, Virginia; but Audubon was so dilatory + in proving his identity and his legal right to this cash, + that the merchant finally died insolvent, and the legatee + never received a cent of it. The French estate he transferred + in after years to his sister Rosa. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + III. + </h2> + <p> + Finally, Audubon gave up the struggle of trying to be a + business man. He says: "I parted with every particle of + property I had to my creditors, keeping only the clothes I + wore on that day, my original drawings, and my gun, and + without a dollar in my pocket, walked to Louisville alone." + </p> + <p> + This he speaks of as the saddest of all his + journeys—"the only time in my life when the wild + turkeys that so often crossed my path, and the thousands of + lesser birds that enlivened the woods and the prairies, all + looked like enemies, and I turned my eyes from them, as if I + could have wished that they had never existed." + </p> + <p> + But the thought of his beloved Lucy and her children soon + spurred him to action. He was a good draughtsman, he had been + a pupil of David, he would turn his talents to account. + </p> + <p> + "As we were straightened to the very utmost, I undertook to + draw portraits at the low price of five dollars per head, in + black chalk. I drew a few gratis, and succeeded so well that + ere many days had elapsed I had an abundance of work." + </p> + <p> + His fame spread, his orders increased. A settler came for him + in the middle of the night from a considerable distance to + have the portrait of his mother taken while she was on the + eve of death, and a clergyman had his child's body exhumed + that the artist might restore to him the lost features. + </p> + <p> + Money flowed in and he was soon again established with his + family in a house in Louisville. His drawings of birds still + continued and, he says, became at times almost a mania with + him; he would frequently give up a head, the profits of which + would have supplied the wants of his family a week or more, + "to represent a little citizen of the feathered tribe." + </p> + <p> + In 1819 he was offered the position of taxidermist in the + museum at Cincinnati, and soon moved there with his family. + His pay not being forthcoming from the museum, he started a + drawing school there, and again returned to his portraits. + Without these resources, he says, he would have been upon the + starving list. But food was plentiful and cheap. He writes in + his journal: "Our living here is extremely moderate; the + markets are well supplied and cheap, beef only two and one + half cents a pound, and I am able to supply a good deal + myself. Partridges are frequently in the streets, and I can + shoot wild turkeys within a mile or so. Squirrels and + Woodcock are very abundant in the season, and fish always + easily caught." + </p> + <p> + In October, 1820, we again find him adrift, apparently with + thought of having his bird drawings published, after he shall + have further added to them by going through many of the + southern and western states. + </p> + <p> + Leaving his family behind him, he started for New Orleans on + a flatboat. He tarried long at Natchez, and did not reach the + Crescent City till midwinter. Again he found himself + destitute of means, and compelled to resort to portrait + painting. He went on with his bird collecting and bird + painting; in the meantime penetrating the swamps and bayous + around the city. + </p> + <p> + At this time he seems to have heard of the publication of + Wilson's "Ornithology," and tried in vain to get sight of a + copy of it. + </p> + <p> + In the spring he made an attempt to get an appointment as + draughtsman and naturalist to a government expedition that + was to leave the next year to survey the new territory ceded + to the United States by Spain. He wrote to President Monroe + upon the subject, but the appointment never came to him. In + March he called upon Vanderlyn, the historical painter, and + took with him a portfolio of his drawings in hopes of getting + a recommendation. Vanderlyn at first treated him as a + mendicant and ordered him to leave his portfolio in the + entry. After some delay, in company with a government + official, he consented to see the pictures. + </p> + <p> + "The perspiration ran down my face," says Audubon, "as I + showed him my drawings and laid them on the floor." He was + thinking of the expedition to Mexico just referred to, and + wanted to make a good impression upon Vanderlyn and the + officer. This he succeeded in doing, and obtained from the + artist a very complimentary note, as he did also from + Governor Robertson of Louisiana. + </p> + <p> + In June, Audubon left New Orleans for Kentucky, to rejoin his + wife and boys, but somewhere on the journey engaged himself + to a Mrs. Perrie who lived at Bayou Sara, Louisiana, to teach + her daughter drawing during the summer, at sixty dollars per + month, leaving him half of each day to follow his own + pursuits. He continued in this position till October when he + took steamer for New Orleans. "My long, flowing hair, and + loose yellow nankeen dress, and the unfortunate cut of my + features, attracted much attention, and made me desire to be + dressed like other people as soon as possible." + </p> + <p> + He now rented a house in New Orleans on Dauphine street, and + determined to send for his family. Since he had left + Cincinnati the previous autumn, he had finished sixty-two + drawings of birds and plants, three quadrupeds, two snakes, + fifty portraits of all sorts, and had lived by his talents, + not having had a dollar when he started. "I sent a draft to + my wife, and began life in New Orleans with forty-two + dollars, health, and much eagerness to pursue my plan of + collecting all the birds of America." + </p> + <p> + His family, after strong persuasion, joined him in December, + 1821, and his former life of drawing portraits, giving + lessons, painting birds, and wandering about the country, + began again. His earnings proving inadequate to support the + family, his wife took a position as governess in the family + of a Mr. Brand. + </p> + <p> + In the spring, acting upon the judgment of his wife, he + concluded to leave New Orleans again, and to try his fortunes + elsewhere. He paid all his bills and took steamer for + Natchez, paying his passage by drawing a crayon portrait of + the captain and his wife. + </p> + <p> + On the trip up the Mississippi, two hundred of his bird + portraits were sorely damaged by the breaking of a bottle of + gunpowder in the chest in which they were being conveyed. + </p> + <p> + Three times in his career he met with disasters to his + drawings. On the occasion of his leaving Hendersonville to go + to Philadelphia, he had put two hundred of his original + drawings in a wooden box and had left them in charge of a + friend. On his return, several months later, he pathetically + recounts what befell them: "A pair of Norway rats had taken + possession of the whole, and reared a young family among + gnawed bits of paper, which but a month previous, represented + nearly one thousand inhabitants of the air!" + </p> + <p> + This discovery resulted in insomnia, and a fearful heat in + the head; for several days he seemed like one stunned, but + his youth and health stood him in hand, he rallied, and, + undaunted, again sallied forth to the woods with dog and gun. + In three years' time his portfolio was again filled. + </p> + <p> + The third catastrophe to some of his drawings was caused by a + fire in a New York building in which his treasures were kept + during his sojourn in Europe. + </p> + <p> + Audubon had an eye for the picturesque in his fellow-men as + well as for the picturesque in Nature. On the Levee in New + Orleans, he first met a painter whom he thus describes: "His + head was covered by a straw hat, the brim of which might cope + with those worn by the fair sex in 1830; his neck was exposed + to the weather; the broad frill of a shirt, then fashionable, + flopped about his breast, whilst an extraordinary collar, + carefully arranged, fell over the top of his coat. The latter + was of a light green colour, harmonising well with a pair of + flowing yellow nankeen trousers, and a pink waistcoat, from + the bosom of which, amidst a large bunch of the splendid + flowers of the magnolia, protruded part of a young alligator, + which seemed more anxious to glide through the muddy waters + of a swamp than to spend its life swinging to and fro amongst + folds of the finest lawn. The gentleman held in one hand a + cage full of richly-plumed nonpareils, whilst in the other he + sported a silk umbrella, on which I could plainly read + 'Stolen from I,' these words being painted in large white + characters. He walked as if conscious of his own importance; + that is, with a good deal of pomposity, singing, 'My love is + but a lassie yet'; and that with such thorough imitation of + the Scotch emphasis that had not his physiognomy suggested + another parentage, I should have believed him to be a genuine + Scot. A narrower acquaintance proved him to be a Yankee; and + anxious to make his acquaintance, I desired to see his birds. + He retorted, 'What the devil did I know about birds?' I + explained to him that I was a naturalist, whereupon he + requested me to examine his birds. I did so with much + interest, and was preparing to leave, when he bade me come to + his lodgings and see the remainder of his collection. This I + willingly did, and was struck with amazement at the + appearance of his studio. Several cages were hung about the + walls, containing specimens of birds, all of which I examined + at my leisure. On a large easel before me stood an unfinished + portrait, other pictures hung about, and in the room were two + young pupils; and at a glance I discovered that the eccentric + stranger was, like myself, a naturalist and an artist. The + artist, as modest as he was odd, showed me how he laid on the + paint on his pictures, asked after my own pursuits, and + showed a friendly spirit which enchanted me. With a ramrod + for a rest, he prosecuted his work vigorously, and afterwards + asked me to examine a percussion lock on his gun, a novelty + to me at the time. He snapped some caps, and on my remarking + that he would frighten his birds, he exclaimed, 'Devil take + the birds, there are more of them in the market.' He then + loaded his gun, and wishing to show me that he was a + marksman, fired at one of the pins on his easel. This he + smashed to pieces, and afterward put a rifle bullet exactly + through the hole into which the pin fitted." + </p> + <p> + Audubon reached Natchez on March 24, 1822, and remained there + and in the vicinity till the spring of 1823, teaching drawing + and French to private pupils and in the college at + Washington, nine miles distant, hunting, and painting the + birds, and completing his collection. Among other things he + painted the "Death of Montgomery" from a print. His friends + persuaded him to raffle the picture off. This he did, and + taking one number himself, won the picture, while his + finances were improved by three hundred dollars received for + the tickets. Early in the autumn his wife again joined him, + and presently we find her acting as governess in the home of + a clergyman named Davis. + </p> + <p> + In December, there arrived in Natchez a wandering portrait + painter named Stein, who gave Audubon his first lessons in + the use of oil colours, and was instructed by Audubon in turn + in chalk drawing. + </p> + <p> + There appear to have been no sacrifices that Mrs. Audubon was + not willing and ready to make to forward the plans of her + husband. "My best friends," he says at this time, "solemnly + regarded me as a mad man, and my wife and family alone gave + me encouragement. My wife determined that my genius should + prevail, and that my final success as an ornithologist should + be triumphant." + </p> + <p> + She wanted him to go to Europe, and, to assist toward that + end, she entered into an engagement with a Mrs. Percy of + Bayou Sara, to instruct her children, together with her own, + and a limited number of outside pupils. + </p> + <p> + Audubon, in the meantime, with his son Victor, and his new + artist friend, Stein, started off in a wagon, seeking whom + they might paint, on a journey through the southern states. + They wandered as far as New Orleans, but Audubon appears to + have returned to his wife again in May, and to have engaged + in teaching her pupils music and drawing. But something went + wrong, there was a misunderstanding with the Percys, and + Audubon went back to Natchez, revolving various schemes in + his head, even thinking of again entering upon mercantile + pursuits in Louisville. + </p> + <p> + He had no genius for accumulating money nor for keeping it + after he had gotten it. One day when his affairs were at a + very low ebb, he met a squatter with a tame black wolf which + took Audubon's fancy. He says that he offered the owner a + hundred dollar bill for it on the spot, but was refused. He + probably means to say that he would have offered it had he + had it. Hundred dollar bills, I fancy, were rarer than tame + black wolves in that pioneer country in those days. + </p> + <p> + About this time he and his son Victor were taken with yellow + fever, and Mrs. Audubon was compelled to dismiss her school + and go to nurse them. They both recovered, and, in October + (1823), set out for Louisville, making part of the journey on + foot. The following winter was passed at Shipping Port, near + Louisville, where Audubon painted birds, landscapes, + portraits and even signs. In March he left Shipping Port for + Philadelphia, leaving his son Victor in the counting house of + a Mr. Berthoud. He reached Philadelphia on April 5, and + remained there till the following August, studying painting, + exhibiting his birds, making many new acquaintances, among + them Charles Lucien Bonaparte, giving lessons in drawing at + thirty dollars per month, all the time casting wistful eyes + toward Europe, whither he hoped soon to be able to go with + his drawings. In July he made a pilgrimage to Mill Grove + where he had passed so many happy years. The sight of the old + familiar scenes filled him with the deepest emotions. + </p> + <p> + In August he left Philadelphia for New York, hoping to + improve his finances, and, may be, publish his drawings in + that city. At this time he had two hundred sheets, and about + one thousand birds. While there he again met Vanderlyn and + examined his pictures, but says that he was not impressed + with the idea that Vanderlyn was a great painter. + </p> + <p> + The birds that he saw in the museum in New York appeared to + him to be set up in unnatural and constrained attitudes. With + Dr. De Kay he visited the Lyceum, and his drawings were + examined by members of the Institute. Among them he felt + awkward and uncomfortable. "I feel that I am strange to all + but the birds of America," he said. As most of the persons to + whom he had letters of introduction were absent, and as his + spirits soon grew low, he left on the fifteenth for Albany. + Here he found his money low also. Abandoning the idea of + visiting Boston, he took passage on a canal boat for + Rochester. His fellow-passengers on the boat were doubtful + whether he was a government officer, commissioner, or spy. At + that time Rochester had only five thousand inhabitants. After + a couple of days he went on to Buffalo and, he says, wrote + under his name at the hotel this sentence: "Who, like Wilson, + will ramble, but never, like that great man, die under the + lash of a bookseller." + </p> + <p> + He visited Niagara, and gives a good account of the + impressions which the cataract made upon him. He did not + cross the bridge to Goat Island on account of the low state + of his funds. In Buffalo he obtained a good dinner of bread + and milk for twelve cents, and went to bed cheering himself + with thoughts of other great men who had encountered greater + hardships and had finally achieved fame. + </p> + <p> + He soon left Buffalo, taking a deck passage on a schooner + bound for Erie, furnishing his own bed and provisions and + paying a fare of one dollar and a half. From Erie he and a + fellow-traveller hired a man and cart to take them to + Meadville, paying their entertainers over night with music + and portrait drawing. Reaching Meadville, they had only one + dollar and a half between them, but soon replenished their + pockets by sketching some of the leading citizens. + </p> + <p> + Audubon's belief in himself helped him wonderfully. He knew + that he had talents, he insisted on using them. Most of his + difficulties came from trying to do the things he was not + fitted to do. He did not hesitate to use his talents in a + humble way, when nothing else offered—portraits, + landscapes, birds and animals he painted, but he would paint + the cabin walls of the ship to pay his passage, if he was + short of funds, or execute crayon portraits of a shoemaker + and his wife, to pay for shoes to enable him to continue his + journeys. He could sleep on a steamer's deck, with a few + shavings for a bed, and, wrapped in a blanket, look up at the + starlit sky, and give thanks to a Providence that he believed + was ever guarding and guiding him. + </p> + <p> + Early in September he left for Pittsburg where he spent one + month scouring the country for birds and continuing his + drawings. In October, he was on his way down the Ohio in a + skiff, in company with "a doctor, an artist and an Irishman." + The weather was rainy, and at Wheeling his companions left + the boat in disgust. He sold his skiff and continued his + voyage to Cincinnati in a keel boat. Here he obtained a loan + of fifteen dollars and took deck passage on a boat to + Louisville, going thence to Shipping Port to see his son + Victor. In a few days he was off for Bayou Sara to see his + wife, and with a plan to open a school there. + </p> + <p> + "I arrived at Bayou Sara with rent and wasted clothes, and + uncut hair, and altogether looking like the Wandering Jew." + </p> + <p> + In his haste to reach his wife and child at Mr. Percy's, a + mile or more distant through the woods, he got lost in the + night, and wandered till daylight before he found the house. + </p> + <p> + He found his wife had prospered in his absence, and was + earning nearly three thousand dollars a year, with which she + was quite ready to help him in the publication of his + drawings. He forthwith resolved to see what he could do to + increase the amount by his own efforts. Receiving an offer to + teach dancing, he soon had a class of sixty organised. But + the material proved so awkward and refractory that the master + in his first lesson broke his bow and nearly ruined his + violin in his excitement and impatience. Then he danced to + his own music till the whole room came down in thunders of + applause. The dancing lessons brought him two thousand + dollars; this sum, together with his wife's savings, enabled + him to foresee a successful issue to his great ornithological + work. + </p> + <p> + On May, 1826, he embarked at New Orleans on board the ship + <i>Delos</i> for Liverpool. His journal kept during this + voyage abounds in interesting incidents and descriptions. He + landed at Liverpool, July 20, and delivered some of his + letters of introduction. He soon made the acquaintance of Mr. + Rathbone, Mr. Roscoe, Mr. Baring, and Lord Stanley. Lord + Stanley said in looking over his drawings: "This work is + unique, and deserves the patronage of the Crown." In a letter + to his wife at this time, Audubon said: "I am cherished by + the most notable people in and around Liverpool, and have + obtained letters of introduction to Baron Humboldt, Sir + Walter Scott, Sir Humphry Davy, Sir Thomas Lawrence, Hannah + More, Miss Edgeworth, and your distinguished cousin, Robert + Bakewell." Mark his courtesy to his wife in this gracious + mention of her relative—a courtesy which never forsook + him—a courtesy which goes far toward retaining any + woman's affection. + </p> + <p> + His paintings were put on exhibition in the rooms of the + Royal Institution, an admittance of one shilling being + charged. From this source he soon realised a hundred pounds. + </p> + <p> + He then went to Edinburgh, carrying letters of introduction + to many well known literary and scientific men, among them + Francis Jeffrey and "Christopher North." + </p> + <p> + Professor Jameson, the Scotch naturalist, received him + coldly, and told him, among other things, that there was no + chance of his seeing Sir Walter Scott—he was too busy. + "<i>Not see Sir Walter Scott</i>?" thought I; "I SHALL, if I + have to crawl on all fours for a mile." On his way up in the + stage coach he had passed near Sir Walter's seat, and had + stood up and craned his neck in vain to get a glimpse of the + home of a man to whom, he says, he was indebted for so much + pleasure. He and Scott were in many ways kindred spirits, men + native to the open air, inevitable sportsmen, copious and + romantic lovers and observers of all forms and conditions of + life. Of course he will want to see Scott, and Scott will + want to see him, if he once scents his real quality. + </p> + <p> + Later, Professor Jameson showed Audubon much kindness and + helped to introduce him to the public. + </p> + <p> + In January, the opportunity to see Scott came to him. + </p> + <p> + "<i>January 22, Monday</i>. I was painting diligently when + Captain Hall came in, and said: 'Put on your coat, and come + with me to Sir Walter Scott; he wishes to see you + <i>now</i>.' In a moment I was ready, for I really believe my + coat and hat came to me instead of my going to them. My heart + trembled; I longed for the meeting, yet wished it over. Had + not his wondrous pen penetrated my soul with the + consciousness that here was a genius from God's hand? I felt + overwhelmed at the thought of meeting Sir Walter, the Great + Unknown. We reached the house, and a powdered waiter was + asked if Sir Walter were in. We were shown forward at once, + and entering a very small room Captain Hall said: 'Sir + Walter, I have brought Mr. Audubon.' Sir Walter came forward, + pressed my hand warmly, and said he was 'glad to have the + honour of meeting me.' His long, loose, silvery locks struck + me; he looked like Franklin at his best. He also reminded me + of Benjamin West; he had the great benevolence of William + Roscoe about him and a kindness most prepossessing. I could + not forbear looking at him, my eyes feasted on his + countenance. I watched his movements as I would those of a + celestial being; his long, heavy, white eyebrows struck me + forcibly. His little room was tidy, though it partook a good + deal of the character of a laboratory. He was wrapped in a + quilted morning-gown of light purple silk; he had been at + work writing on the 'Life of Napoleon.' He writes close + lines, rather curved as they go from left to right, and puts + an immense deal on very little paper. After a few minutes had + elapsed, he begged Captain Hall to ring a bell; a servant + came and was asked to bid Miss Scott come to see Mr. Audubon. + Miss Scott came, black haired and black-dressed, not handsome + but said to be highly accomplished, and she is the daughter + of Sir Walter Scott. There was much conversation. I talked + but little, but, believe me, I listened and observed, careful + if ignorant. I cannot write more now. I have just returned + from the Royal Society. Knowing that I was a candidate for + the electorate of the society, I felt very uncomfortable and + would gladly have been hunting on Tawapatee Bottom." + </p> + <p> + It may be worth while now to see what Scott thought of + Audubon. Under the same date, Sir Walter writes in his + journal as follows: "<i>January</i> 22, 1827. A visit from + Basil Hall, with Mr. Audubon, the ornithologist, who has + followed the pursuit by many a long wandering in the American + forests. He is an American by naturalisation, a Frenchman by + birth; but less of a Frenchman than I have ever seen—no + dust or glimmer, or shine about him, but great simplicity of + manners and behaviour; slight in person and plainly dressed; + wears long hair, which time has not yet tinged; his + countenance acute, handsome, and interesting, but still + simplicity is the predominant characteristic. I wish I had + gone to see his drawings; but I had heard so much about them + that I resolved not to see them—'a crazy way of mine, + your honour.'" + </p> + <p> + Two days later Audubon again saw Scott, and writes in his + journal as follows: "<i>January 24</i>. My second visit to + Sir Walter Scott was much more agreeable than my first. My + portfolio and its contents were matters on which I could + speak substantially, and I found him so willing to level + himself with me for awhile that the time spent at his home + was agreeable and valuable. His daughter improved in looks + the moment she spoke, having both vivacity and good sense." + </p> + <p> + Scott's impressions of the birds as recorded in his journal, + was that the drawings were of the first order, but he thought + that the aim at extreme correctness and accuracy made them + rather stiff. + </p> + <p> + In February Audubon met Scott again at the opening of the + Exhibition at the rooms of the Royal Institution. + </p> + <p> + "<i>Tuesday, February 13</i>. This was the grand, long + promised, and much wished-for day of the opening of the + Exhibition at the rooms of the Royal Institution. At one + o'clock I went, the doors were just opened, and in a few + minutes the rooms were crowded. Sir Walter Scott was present; + he came towards me, shook my hand cordially, and pointing to + Landseer's picture said: 'Many such scenes, Mr. Audubon, have + I witnessed in my younger days.' We talked much of all about + us, and I would gladly have joined him in a glass of wine, + but my foolish habits prevented me, and after inquiring of + his daughter's health, I left him, and shortly afterwards the + rooms; for I had a great appetite, and although there were + tables loaded with delicacies, and I saw the ladies + particularly eating freely, I must say to my shame I dared + not lay my fingers on a single thing. In the evening I went + to the theatre where I was much amused by 'The Comedy of + Errors,' and afterwards, 'The Green Room.' I admire Miss + Neville's singing very much; and her manners also; there is + none of the actress about her, but much of the lady." + </p> + <p> + Audubon somewhere says of himself that he was "temperate to + an intemperate degree"—the accounts in later years show + that he became less strict in this respect. He would not + drink with Sir Walter Scott at this time, but he did with the + Texan Houston and with President Andrew Jackson, later on. + </p> + <p> + In September we find him exhibiting his pictures in + Manchester, but without satisfactory results. In the lobby of + the exchange where his pictures were on exhibition, he + overheard one man say to another: "Pray, have you seen Mr. + Audubon's collection of birds? I am told it is well worth a + shilling; suppose we go now." + </p> + <p> + "Pah! it is all a hoax; save your shilling for better use. I + have seen them; the fellow ought to be drummed out of town." + </p> + <p> + In 1827, in Edinburgh, he seems to have issued a prospectus + for his work, and to have opened books of subscription, and + now a publisher, Mr. Lizars, offers to bring out the first + number of "Birds of America," and on November 28, the first + proof of the first engraving was shown him, and he was + pleased with it. + </p> + <p> + With a specimen number he proposed to travel about the + country in quest of subscribers until he had secured three + hundred. In his journal under date of December 10, he says: + "My success in Edinburgh borders on the miraculous. My book + is to be published in numbers containing four [in another + place he says five] birds in each, the size of life, in a + style surpassing anything now existing, at two guineas a + number. The engravings are truly beautiful; some of them have + been coloured, and are now on exhibition." + </p> + <p> + Audubon's journal, kept during his stay in Edinburgh, is + copious, graphic, and entertaining. It is a mirror of + everything he saw and felt. + </p> + <p> + Among others he met George Combe, the phrenologist, author of + the once famous <i>Constitution of Man</i>, and he submitted + to having his head "looked at." The examiner said: "There + cannot exist a moment of doubt that this gentleman is a + painter, colourist, and compositor, and, I would add, an + amiable though quick tempered man." + </p> + <p> + Audubon was invited to the annual feast given by the + Antiquarian Society at the Waterloo Hotel, at which Lord + Elgin presided. After the health of many others had been + drunk, Audubon's was proposed by Skene, a Scottish historian. + "Whilst he was engaged in a handsome panegyric, the + perspiration poured from me. I thought I should faint." But + he survived the ordeal and responded in a few appropriate + words. He was much dined and wined, and obliged to keep late + hours—often getting no more than four hours sleep, and + working hard painting and writing all the next day. He often + wrote in his journals for his wife to read later, bidding her + Good-night, or rather Good-morning, at three A.M. + </p> + <p> + Audubon had the bashfulness and awkwardness of the + backwoodsman, and doubtless the naiveté and + picturesqueness also; these traits and his very great merits + as a painter of wild life, made him a favourite in Edinburgh + society. One day he went to read a paper on the Crow to Dr. + Brewster, and was so nervous and agitated that he had to + pause for a moment in the midst of it. He left the paper with + Dr. Brewster and when he got it back again was much shocked: + "He had greatly improved the style (for I had none), but he + had destroyed the matter." + </p> + <p> + During these days Audubon was very busy writing, painting, + receiving callers, and dining out. He grew very tired of it + all at times, and longed for the solitude of his native + woods. Some days his room was a perfect levee. "It is Mr. + Audubon here, and Mr. Audubon there; I only hope they will + not make a conceited fool of Mr. Audubon at last." There + seems to have been some danger of this, for he says: "I seem + in a measure to have gone back to my early days of society + and fine dressing, silk stockings and pumps, and all the + finery with which I made a popinjay of myself in my youth.... + I wear my hair as long as usual, I believe it does as much + for me as my paintings." + </p> + <p> + He wrote to Thomas Sully of Philadelphia, promising to send + him his first number, to be presented to the Philadelphia + Society—"an institution which thought me unworthy to be + a member," he writes. + </p> + <p> + About this time he was a guest for a day or two of Earl + Morton, at his estate Dalmahoy, near Edinburgh. He had + expected to see an imposing personage in the great + Chamberlain to the late queen Charlotte. What was his relief + and surprise, then, to see a "small, slender man, tottering + on his feet, weaker than a newly hatched partridge," who + welcomed him with tears in his eyes. The countess, "a fair, + fresh-complexioned woman, with dark, flashing eyes," wrote + her name in his subscription book, and offered to pay the + price in advance. The next day he gave her a lesson in + drawing. + </p> + <p> + On his return to Edinburgh he dined with Captain Hall, to + meet Francis Jeffrey. "Jeffrey is a little man," he writes, + "with a serious face and dignified air. He looks both shrewd + and cunning, and talks with so much volubility he is rather + displeasing.... Mrs. Jeffrey was nervous and very much + dressed." + </p> + <p> + Early in January he painted his "Pheasant attacked by a Fox." + This was his method of proceeding: "I take one [a fox] neatly + killed, put him up with wires, and when satisfied with the + truth of the position, I take my palette and work as rapidly + as possible; the same with my birds. If practicable, I finish + the bird at one sitting,—often, it is true, of fourteen + hours,—so that I think they are correct, both in detail + and in composition." + </p> + <p> + In pictures by Landseer and other artists which he saw in the + galleries of Edinburgh, he saw the skilful painter, "the + style of men who know how to handle a brush, and carry a good + effect," but he missed that closeness and fidelity to Nature + which to him so much outweighed mere technique. Landseer's + "Death of a Stag" affected him like a farce. It was pretty, + but not real and true. He did not feel that way about the + sermon he heard Sydney Smith preach: "It was a sermon to + <i>me</i>. He made me smile and he made me think deeply. He + pleased me at times by painting my foibles with due care, and + again I felt the colour come to my cheeks as he portrayed my + sins." Later, he met Sydney Smith and his "fair daughter," + and heard the latter sing. Afterwards he had a note from the + famous divine upon which he remarks: "The man should study + economy; he would destroy more paper in a day than Franklin + would in a week; but all great men are more or less + eccentric. Walter Scott writes a diminutive hand, very + difficult to read, Napoleon a large scrawling one, still more + difficult, and Sydney Smith goes up hill all the way with + large strides." + </p> + <p> + Having decided upon visiting London, he yielded to the + persuasions of his friends and had his hair cut before making + the trip. He chronicles the event in his journal as a very + sad one, in which "the will of God was usurped by the wishes + of man." Shorn of his locks he probably felt humbled like the + stag when he loses his horns. + </p> + <p> + Quitting Edinburgh on April 5, he visited, in succession, + Newcastle, Leeds, York, Shrewsbury, and Manchester, in quest + of subscribers to his great work. A few were obtained at each + place at two hundred pounds per head. At Newcastle he first + met Bewick, the famous wood engraver, and conceived a deep + liking for him. + </p> + <p> + We find him in London on May 21, 1827, and not in a very + happy frame of mind: "To me London is just like the mouth of + an immense monster, guarded by millions of sharp-edged teeth, + from which, if I escape unhurt, it must be called a miracle." + It only filled him with a strong desire to be in his beloved + woods again. His friend, Basil Hall, had insisted upon his + procuring a black suit of clothes. When he put this on to + attend his first dinner party, he spoke of himself as + "attired like a mournful raven," and probably more than ever + wished himself in the woods. + </p> + <p> + He early called upon the great portrait painter, Sir Thomas + Lawrence, who inspected his drawings, pronounced them "very + clever," and, in a few days, brought him several purchasers + for some of his animal paintings, thus replenishing his purse + with nearly one hundred pounds. + </p> + <p> + Considering Audubon's shy disposition, and his dread of + persons in high places, it is curious that he should have + wanted to call upon the King, and should have applied to the + American Minister, Mr. Gallatin, to help him to do so. Mr. + Gallatin laughed and said: "It is impossible, my dear sir, + the King sees nobody; he has the gout, is peevish, and spends + his time playing whist at a shilling a rubber. I had to wait + six weeks before I was presented to him in my position of + ambassador." But his work was presented to the King who + called it fine, and His Majesty became a subscriber on the + usual terms. Other noble persons followed suit, yet Audubon + was despondent. He had removed the publication of his work + from Edinburgh to London, from the hands of Mr. Lizars into + those of Robert Havell. But the enterprise did not prosper, + his agents did not attend to business, nor to his orders, and + he soon found himself at bay for means to go forward with the + work. At this juncture he determined to make a sortie for the + purpose of collecting his dues and to add to his subscribers. + He visited Leeds, York, and other towns. Under date of + October 9, at York, he writes in his journal: "How often I + thought during these visits of poor Alexander Wilson. Then + travelling as I am now, to procure subscribers he, as well as + myself, was received with rude coldness, and sometimes with + that arrogance which belongs to <i>parvenus."</i> + </p> + <p> + A week or two later we find him again in Edinburgh where he + breakfasted with Professor Wilson ("Christopher North"), whom + he greatly enjoyed, a man without stiffness or ceremonies: + "No cravat, no waistcoat, but a fine frill of his own profuse + beard, his hair flowing uncontrolled, and his speech dashing + at once at the object in view, without circumlocution.... He + gives me comfort by being comfortable himself." + </p> + <p> + In early November he took the coach for Glasgow, he and three + other passengers making the entire journey without uttering a + single word: "We sat like so many owls of different species, + as if afraid of one another." Four days in Glasgow and only + one subscriber. + </p> + <p> + Early in January he is back in London arranging with Mr. + Havell for the numbers to be engraved in 1828. One day on + looking up to the new moon he saw a large flock of wild ducks + passing over, then presently another flock passed. The sight + of these familiar objects made him more homesick than ever. + He often went to Regent's Park to see the trees, and the + green grass, and to hear the sweet notes of the black birds + and starlings. + </p> + <p> + The black birds' note revived his drooping spirits: to his + wife he writes, "it carries my mind to the woods around thee, + my Lucy." + </p> + <p> + Now and then a subscriber withdrew his name, which always cut + him to the quick, but did not dishearten him. + </p> + <p> + "<i>January 28</i>. I received a letter from D. Lizars to-day + announcing to me the loss of four subscribers; but these + things do not dampen my spirits half so much as the smoke of + London. I am as dull as a beetle." + </p> + <p> + In February he learned that it was Sir Thomas Lawrence who + prevented the British Museum from subscribing to his work: + "He considered the drawings so-so, and the engraving and + colouring bad; when I remember how he praised these same + drawings <i>in my presence,</i> I wonder—that is all." + </p> + <p> + The rudest man he met in England was the Earl of Kinnoul: "A + small man with a face like the caricature of an owl." He sent + for Audubon to tell him that all his birds were alike, and + that he considered his work a swindle. "He may really think + this, his knowledge is probably small; but it is not the + custom to send for a gentleman to abuse him in one's own + house." Audubon heard his words, bowed and left him without + speaking. + </p> + <p> + In March he went to Cambridge and met and was dined by many + learned men. The University, through its Librarian, + subscribed for his work. Other subscriptions followed. He was + introduced to a judge who wore a wig that "might make a + capital bed for an Osage Indian during the whole of a cold + winter on the Arkansas River." + </p> + <p> + On his way to Oxford he saw them turn a stag from a cart + "before probably a hundred hounds and as many huntsmen. A + curious land, and a curious custom, to catch an animal and + then set it free merely to catch it again." At Oxford he + received much attention, but complains that not one of the + twenty-two colleges subscribed for his work, though two other + institutions did. + </p> + <p> + Early in April we find him back in London lamenting over his + sad fate in being compelled to stay in so miserable a place. + He could neither write nor draw to his satisfaction amid the + "bustle, filth, and smoke." His mind and heart turned eagerly + toward America, and to his wife and boys, and he began + seriously to plan for a year's absence from England. He + wanted to renew and to improve about fifty of his drawings. + During this summer of 1828, he was very busy in London, + painting, writing, and superintending the colouring of his + plates. Under date of August 9, he writes in his journal: "I + have been at work from four every morning until dark; I have + kept up my large correspondence. My publication goes on well + and regularly, and this very day seventy sets have been + distributed, yet the number of my subscribers has not + increased; on the contrary, I have lost some." He made the + acquaintance of Swainson, and the two men found much + companionship in each other, and had many long talks about + birds: "Why, Lucy, thou wouldst think that birds were all + that we cared for in this world, but thou knowest this is not + so." + </p> + <p> + Together he and Mr. and Mrs. Swainson planned a trip to + Paris, which they carried out early in September. It tickled + Audubon greatly to find that the Frenchman at the office in + Calais, who had never seen him, had described his complexion + in his passport as copper red, because he was an American, + all Americans suggesting aborigines. In Paris they early went + to call upon Baron Cuvier. They were told that he was too + busy to be seen: "Being determined to look at the Great Man, + we waited, knocked again, and with a certain degree of + firmness, sent in our names. The messenger returned, bowed, + and led the way up stairs, where in a minute Monsieur le + Baron, like an excellent good man, came to us. He had heard + much of my friend Swainson, and greeted him as he deserves to + be greeted; he was polite and kind to me, though my name had + never made its way to his ears. I looked at him and here + follows the result: Age about sixty-five; size corpulent, + five feet five English measure; head large, face wrinkled and + brownish; eyes grey, brilliant and sparkling; nose aquiline, + large and red; mouth large with good lips; teeth few, blunted + by age, excepting one on the lower jaw, <i>measuring nearly + three-quarters of an inch square.</i>" The italics are not + Audubon's. The great naturalist invited his callers to dine + with him at six on the next Saturday. + </p> + <p> + They next presented their letter to Geoffroy de St. Hilaire, + with whom they were particularly pleased. Neither had he ever + heard of Audubon's work. The dinner with Cuvier gave him a + nearer view of the manners and habits of the great man. + "There was not the show of opulence at this dinner that is + seen in the same rank of life in England, no, not by far, but + it was a good dinner served <i>à la + Française.</i>" Neither was it followed by the + "drinking matches" of wine, so common at English tables. + </p> + <p> + During his stay in Paris Audubon saw much of Cuvier, and was + very kindly and considerately treated by him. One day he + accompanied a portrait painter to his house and saw him sit + for his portrait: "I see the Baron now, quite as plainly as I + did this morning,—an old green surtout about him, a + neckcloth that would have wrapped his whole body if unfolded, + loosely tied about his chin, and his silver locks looking + like those of a man who loves to study books better than to + visit barbers." + </p> + <p> + Audubon remained in Paris till near the end of October, + making the acquaintance of men of science and of artists, and + bringing his work to the attention of those who were likely + to value it. Baron Cuvier reported favourably upon it to the + Academy of Sciences, pronouncing it "the most magnificent + monument which has yet been erected to ornithology." He + obtained thirteen subscribers in France and spent forty + pounds. + </p> + <p> + On November 9, he is back in London, and soon busy painting, + and pressing forward the engraving and colouring of his work. + The eleventh number was the first for the year 1829. + </p> + <p> + The winter was largely taken up in getting ready for his + return trip to America. He found a suitable agent to look + after his interests, collected some money, paid all his + debts, and on April 1 sailed from Portsmouth in the packet + ship <i>Columbia</i>. He was sea-sick during the entire + voyage, and reached New York May 5. He did not hasten to his + family as would have been quite natural after so long an + absence, but spent the summer and part of the fall in New + Jersey and Pennsylvania, prosecuting his studies and drawings + of birds, making his headquarters in Camden, New Jersey. He + spent six weeks in the Great Pine Forest, and much time at + Great Egg Harbor, and has given delightful accounts of these + trips in his journals. Four hours' sleep out of the + twenty-four was his allotted allowance. + </p> + <p> + One often marvels at Audubon's apparent indifference to his + wife and his home, for from the first he was given to + wandering. Then, too, his carelessness in money matters, and + his improvident ways, necessitating his wife's toiling to + support the family, put him in a rather unfavourable light as + a "good provider," but a perusal of his journal shows that he + was keenly alive to all the hardships and sacrifices of his + wife, and from first to last in his journeyings he speaks of + his longings for home and family. "Cut off from all dearest + me," he says in one of his youthful journeys, and in his + latest one he speaks of himself as being as happy as one can + be who is "three thousand miles from the dearest friend on + earth." Clearly some impelling force held him to the pursuit + of this work, hardships or no hardships. Fortunately for him, + his wife shared his belief in his talents and in their + ultimate recognition. + </p> + <p> + Under date of October 11, 1829, he writes: "I am at work and + have done much, but I wish I had eight pairs of hands, and + another body to shoot the specimens; still I am delighted at + what I have accumulated in drawings this season. Forty-two + drawings in four months, eleven large, eleven middle size, + and twenty-two small, comprising ninety-five birds, from + eagles downwards, with plants, nests, flowers, and sixty + different kinds of eggs. I live alone, see scarcely anyone + besides those belonging to the house where I lodge. I rise + long before day, and work till nightfall, when I take a walk + and to bed." + </p> + <p> + Audubon's capacity for work was extraordinary. His enthusiasm + and perseverance were equally extraordinary. His purposes and + ideas fairly possessed him. Never did a man consecrate + himself more fully to the successful completion of the work + of his life, than did Audubon to the finishing of his + "American Ornithology." + </p> + <p> + During this month Audubon left Camden and turned his face + toward his wife and children, crossing the mountains to + Pittsburg in the mail coach with his dog and gun, thence down + the Ohio in a steamboat to Louisville, where he met his son + Victor, whom he had not seen for five years. After a few days + here with his two boys, he started for Bayou Sara to see his + wife. Beaching Mr. Johnson's house in the early morning, he + went at once to his wife's apartment: "Her door was ajar, + already she was dressed and sitting by her piano, on which a + young lady was playing. I pronounced her name gently, she saw + me, and the next moment I held her in my arms. Her emotion + was so great I feared I had acted rashly, but tears relieved + our hearts, once more we were together." + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Audubon soon settled up her affairs at Bayou Sara, and + the two set out early in January, 1830, for Louisville, + thence to Cincinnati, thence to Wheeling, and so on to + Washington, where Audubon exhibited his drawings to the House + of Representatives and received their subscriptions as a + body. In Washington, he met the President, Andrew Jackson, + and made the acquaintance of Edward Everett. Thence to + Baltimore where he obtained three more subscribers, thence to + New York from which port he sailed in April with his wife on + the packet ship Pacific, for England, and arrived at + Liverpool in twenty-five days. + </p> + <p> + This second sojourn in England lasted till the second of + August, 1831. The time was occupied in pushing the + publication of his "Birds," canvassing the country for new + subscribers, painting numerous pictures for sale, writing his + "Ornithological Biography," living part of the time in + Edinburgh, and part of the time in London, with two or three + months passed in France, where there were fourteen + subscribers. While absent in America, he had been elected a + fellow of the Royal Society of London, and on May 6 took his + seat in the great hall. + </p> + <p> + He needed some competent person to assist him in getting his + manuscript ready for publication and was so fortunate as to + obtain the services of MacGillivray, the biographer of + British Birds. + </p> + <p> + Audubon had learned that three editions of Wilson's + "Ornithology" were soon to be published in Edinburgh, and he + set to work vigorously to get his book out before them. + Assisted by MacGillivray, he worked hard at his biography of + the birds, writing all day, and Mrs. Audubon making a copy of + the work to send to America to secure copyright there. + Writing to her sons at this time, Mrs. Audubon says: "Nothing + is heard but the steady movement of the pen; your father is + up and at work before dawn, and writes without ceasing all + day." + </p> + <p> + When the first volume was finished, Audubon offered it to two + publishers, both of whom refused it, so he published it + himself in March, 1831. + </p> + <p> + In April on his way to London he travelled "on that + Extraordinary road called the railway, at the rate of + twenty-four miles an hour." + </p> + <p> + The first volume of his bird pictures was completed this + summer, and, in bringing it out, forty thousand dollars had + passed through his hands. It had taken four years to bring + that volume before the world, during which time no less than + fifty of his subscribers, representing the sum of fifty-six + thousand dollars, had abandoned him, so that at the end of + that time, he had only one hundred and thirty names standing + on his list. + </p> + <p> + It was no easy thing to secure enough men to pledge + themselves to $1,000 for a work, the publication of which + must of necessity extend over eight or ten years. + </p> + <p> + Few enterprises, involving such labour and expense, have ever + been carried through against such odds. + </p> + <p> + The entire cost of the "Birds" exceeded one hundred thousand + dollars, yet the author never faltered in this gigantic + undertaking. + </p> + <p> + On August 2, Audubon and his wife sailed for America, and + landed in New York on September 4. They at once went to + Louisville where the wife remained with her sons, while the + husband went to Florida where the winter of 1831-2 was spent, + prosecuting his studies of our birds. His adventures and + experiences in Florida, he has embodied in his Floridian + Episodes, "The Live Oakers," "Spring Garden," "Deer Hunting," + "Sandy Island," "The Wreckers," "The Turtles," "Death of a + Pirate," and other sketches. Stopping at Charleston, South + Carolina, on this southern trip, he made the acquaintance of + the Reverend John Bachman, and a friendship between these two + men was formed that lasted as long as they both lived. + Subsequently, Audubon's sons, Victor and John, married Dr. + Bachman's two eldest daughters. + </p> + <p> + In the summer of 1832, Audubon, accompanied by his wife and + two sons, made a trip to Maine and New Brunswick, going very + leisurely by private conveyance through these countries, + studying the birds, the people, the scenery, and gathering + new material for his work. His diaries give minute accounts + of these journeyings. He was impressed by the sobriety of the + people of Maine; they seem to have had a "Maine law" at that + early date; "for on asking for brandy, rum, or whiskey, not a + drop could I obtain." He saw much of the lumbermen and was a + deeply interested spectator of their ways and doings. Some of + his best descriptive passages are contained in these diaries. + </p> + <p> + In October he is back in Boston planning a trip to Labrador, + and intent on adding more material to his "Birds" by another + year in his home country. + </p> + <p> + That his interests abroad in the meantime might not suffer by + being entirely in outside hands, he sent his son Victor, now + a young man of considerable business experience, to England + to represent him there. The winter of 1832 and 1833 Audubon + seems to have spent mainly in Boston, drawing and re-drawing + and there he had his first serious illness. + </p> + <p> + In the spring of 1833, a schooner was chartered and, + accompanied by five young men, his youngest son, John + Woodhouse, among them, Audubon started on his Labrador trip, + which lasted till the end of summer. It was an expensive and + arduous trip, but was greatly enjoyed by all hands, and was + fruitful in new material for his work. Seventy-three bird + skins were prepared, many drawings made, and many new plants + collected. + </p> + <p> + The weather in Labrador was for the most part rainy, foggy, + cold, and windy, and his drawings were made in the cabin of + his vessel, often under great difficulties. He makes this + interesting observation upon the Eider duck: "In one nest of + the Eider ten eggs were found; this is the most we have seen + as yet in any one nest. The female draws the down from her + abdomen as far toward her breast as her bill will allow her + to do, but the feathers are not pulled, and on examination of + several specimens, I found these well and regularly planted, + and cleaned from their original down, as a forest of trees is + cleared of its undergrowth. In this state the female is still + well clothed, and little or no difference can be seen in the + plumage, unless examined." + </p> + <p> + He gives this realistic picture of salmon fishermen that his + party saw in Labrador: "On going to a house on the shore, we + found it a tolerably good cabin, floored, containing a good + stove, a chimney, and an oven at the bottom of this, like the + ovens of the French peasants, three beds, and a table whereon + the breakfast of the family was served. This consisted of + coffee in large bowls, good bread, and fried salmon. Three + Labrador dogs came and sniffed about us, and then returned + under the table whence they had issued, with no appearance of + anger. Two men, two women, and a babe formed the group, which + I addressed in French. They were French-Canadians and had + been here several years, winter and summer, and are agents + for the Fur and Fish Co., who give them food, clothes, and + about $80 per annum. They have a cow and an ox, about an acre + of potatoes planted in sand, seven feet of snow in winter, + and two-thirds less salmon than was caught here ten years + since. Then, three hundred barrels was a fair season; now one + hundred is the maximum; this is because they will catch the + fish both ascending and descending the river. During winter + the men hunt Foxes, Martens, and Sables, and kill some bear + of the black kind, but neither Deer nor other game is to be + found without going a great distance in the interior, where + Reindeer are now and then procured. One species of Grouse, + and one of Ptarmigan, the latter white at all seasons; the + former, I suppose to be, the Willow Grouse. The men would + neither sell nor give us a single salmon, saying, that so + strict were their orders that, should they sell <i>one,</i> + the place might be taken from them. If this should prove the + case everywhere, I shall not purchase many for my friends. + The furs which they collect are sent off to Quebec at the + first opening of the waters in spring, and not a skin of any + sort was here for us to look at." + </p> + <p> + He gives a vivid picture of the face of Nature in Labrador on + a fine day, under date of July 2: "A beautiful day for + Labrador. Drew another <i>M. articus.</i> Went on shore, and + was most pleased with what I saw. The country, so wild and + grand, is of itself enough to interest any one in its + wonderful dreariness. Its mossy, grey-clothed rocks, heaped + and thrown together as if by chance, in the most fantastical + groups imaginable, huge masses hanging on minor ones as if + about to roll themselves down from their doubtful-looking + situations, into the depths of the sea beneath. Bays without + end, sprinkled with rocky islands of all shapes and sizes, + where in every fissure a Guillemot, a Cormorant, or some + other wild bird retreats to secure its egg, and raise its + young, or save itself from the hunter's pursuit. The peculiar + cast of the sky, which never seems to be certain, butterflies + flitting over snowbanks, probing beautiful dwarf flowerets of + many hues, pushing their tender, stems from the thick bed of + moss which everywhere covers the granite rocks. Then the + morasses, wherein you plunge up to your knees, or the walking + over the stubborn, dwarfish shrubbery, making one think that + as he goes he treads down the <i>forests</i> of Labrador. The + unexpected Bunting, or perhaps Sylvia, which, perchance, and + indeed as if by chance alone, you now and then see flying + before you, or hear singing from the creeping plants on the + ground. The beautiful freshwater lakes, on the rugged crests + of greatly elevated islands, wherein the Red and Black-necked + Divers swim as proudly as swans do in other latitudes, and + where the fish appear to have been cast as strayed beings + from the surplus food of the ocean. All—all is + wonderfully grand, wild—aye, and terrific. And yet how + beautiful it is now, when one sees the wild bee, moving from + one flower to another in search of food, which doubtless is + as sweet to it, as the essence of the magnolia is to those of + favoured Louisiana. The little Ring Plover rearing its + delicate and tender young, the Eider Duck swimming + man-of-war-like amid her floating brood, like the guardship + of a most valuable convoy; the White-crowned Bunting's + sonorous note reaching the ear ever and anon; the crowds of + sea birds in search of places wherein to repose or to + feed—how beautiful is all this in this wonderful rocky + desert at this season, the beginning of July, compared with + the horrid blasts of winter which here predominate by the + will of God, when every rock is rendered smooth with snows so + deep that every step the traveller takes is as if entering + into his grave; for even should he escape an avalanche, his + eye dreads to search the horizon, for full well he knows that + snow—snow is all that can be seen. I watched the Ring + Plover for some time; the parents were so intent on saving + their young that they both lay on the rocks as if shot, + quivering their wings and dragging their bodies as if quite + disabled. We left them and their young to the care of the + Creator. I would not have shot one of the old ones, or taken + one of the young for any consideration, and I was glad my + young men were as forbearing. The <i>L. marinus</i> is + extremely abundant here; they are forever harassing every + other bird, sucking their eggs, and devouring their young; + they take here the place of Eagles and Hawks; not an Eagle + have we seen yet, and only two or three small Hawks, and one + small Owl; yet what a harvest they would have here, were + there trees for them to rest upon." + </p> + <p> + On his return from Labrador in September, Audubon spent three + weeks in New York, after which with his wife, he started upon + another southern trip, pausing at Philadelphia, Baltimore, + Washington, and Richmond. In Washington he made some attempts + to obtain permission to accompany a proposed expedition to + the Rocky Mountains, under Government patronage. But the cold + and curt manner in which Cass, then Secretary of War, + received his application, quite disheartened him. But he + presently met Washington Irving, whose friendly face and + cheering words revived his spirits. How one would like a + picture of that meeting in Washington between Audubon and + Irving—two men who in so many ways were kindred + spirits! + </p> + <p> + Charleston, South Carolina, was reached late in October, and + at the home of their friend Bachman the Audubons seem to have + passed the most of the winter of 1833-4: "My time was well + employed; I hunted for new birds or searched for more + knowledge of old. I drew, I wrote many long pages. I obtained + a few new subscribers, and made some collections on account + of my work." + </p> + <p> + His son Victor wrote desiring the presence of his father in + England, and on April 16, we find him with his wife and son + John, again embarked for Liverpool. In due time they are in + London where they find Victor well, and the business of + publication going on prosperously. One of the amusing + incidents of this sojourn, narrated in the diaries, is + Audubon's and his son's interview with the Baron Rothschild, + to whom he had a letter of introduction from a distinguished + American banking house. The Baron was not present when they + entered his private office, but "soon a corpulent man + appeared, hitching up his trousers, and a face red with the + exertion of walking, and without noticing anyone present, + dropped his fat body into a comfortable chair, as if caring + for no one else in this wide world but himself. While the + Baron sat, we stood, with our hats held respectfully in our + hands. I stepped forward, and with a bow tendered my + credentials. 'Pray, sir,' said the man of golden consequence, + 'is this a letter of business, or is it a mere letter of + introduction?' This I could not well answer, for I had not + read the contents of it, and I was forced to answer rather + awkwardly, that I could not tell. The banker then opened the + letter, read it with the manner of one who was looking only + at the temporal side of things, and after reading it said, + 'This is only a letter of introduction, and I expect from its + contents that you are the publisher of some book or other and + need my subscription.' + </p> + <p> + "Had a man the size of a mountain spoken to me in that + arrogant style in America, I should have indignantly resented + it; but where I then was it seemed best to swallow and digest + it as well as I could. So in reply to the offensive arrogance + of the banker, I said I should be <i>honoured</i> by his + subscription to the "Birds of America." 'Sir,' he said, 'I + never sign my name to any subscription list, but you may send + in your work and I will pay for a copy of it. Gentlemen, I am + busy. I wish you good morning.' We were busy men, too, and so + bowing respectfully, we retired, pretty well satisfied with + the small slice of his opulence which our labour was likely + to obtain. + </p> + <p> + "A few days afterwards I sent the first volume of my work + half bound, and all the numbers besides, then published. On + seeing them we were told that he ordered the bearer to take + them to his house, which was done directly. Number after + number was sent and delivered to the Baron, and after eight + or ten months my son made out his account and sent it by Mr. + Havell, my engraver, to his banking-house. The Baron looked + at it with amazement, and cried out, 'What, a hundred pounds + for birds! Why, sir, I will give you five pounds and not a + farthing more!' Representations were made to him of the + magnificence and expense of the work, and how pleased his + Baroness and wealthy children would be to have a copy; but + the great financier was unrelenting. The copy of the work was + actually sent back to Mr. Havell's shop, and as I found that + instituting legal proceedings against him would cost more + than it would come to, I kept the work, and afterwards sold + it to a man with less money but a nobler heart. What a + distance there is between two such men as the Baron + Rothschild of London, and the merchant of Savannah!" + </p> + <p> + Audubon remained in London during the summer of 1834, and in + the fall removed to Edinburgh, where he hired a house and + spent a year and a half at work on his "Ornithological + Biography," the second and third volumes of which were + published during that time. + </p> + <p> + In the summer of 1836, he returned to London, where he + settled his family in Cavendish Square, and in July, with his + son John, took passage at Portsmouth for New York, desiring + to explore more thoroughly the southern states for new + material for his work. On his arrival in New York, Audubon, + to his deep mortification, found that all his books, papers, + and valuable and curious things, which he had collected both + at home and abroad, had been destroyed in the great fire in + New York, in 1835. + </p> + <p> + In September he spent some time in Boston where he met Brewer + and Nuttall, and made the acquaintance of Daniel Webster, + Judge Story, and others. + </p> + <p> + Writing to his son in England, at this time, admonishing him + to carry on the work, should he himself be taken away + prematurely, he advises him thus: "Should you deem it wise to + remove the publication of the work to this country, I advise + you to settle in Boston; <i>I have faith in the + Bostonians."</i> + </p> + <p> + In Salem he called upon a wealthy young lady by the name of + Silsby, who had the eyes of a gazelle, but "when I mentioned + subscription it seemed to fall on her ears, not as the + cadence of the wood thrush, or of the mocking bird does on + mine, but as a shower bath in cold January." + </p> + <p> + From Boston Audubon returned in October to New York, and + thence went southward through Philadelphia to Washington, + carrying with him letters from Washington Irving to Benjamin + F. Butler, then the Attorney General of the United States, + and to Martin Van Buren who had just been elected to the + presidency. Butler was then quite a young man: "He read + Washington Irving's letter, laid it down, and began a long + talk about his talents, and after a while came round to my + business, saying that the Government allows so little money + to the departments, that he did not think it probable that + their subscription could be obtained without a law to that + effect from Congress." + </p> + <p> + At this time he also met the President, General Jackson: "He + was very kind, and as soon as he heard that we intended + departing to-morrow evening for Charleston, invited us to + dine with him <i>en famille.</i> At the hour named we went to + the White House, and were taken into a room, where the + President soon joined us, I sat close to him; we spoke of + olden times, and touched slightly on politics, and I found + him very averse to the Cause of the Texans.... The dinner was + what might be called plain and substantial in England; I + dined from a fine young turkey, shot within twenty miles of + Washington. The General drank no wine, but his health was + drunk by us more than once; and he ate very moderately; his + last dish consisting of bread and milk." + </p> + <p> + In November Audubon is again at the house of his friend Dr. + Bachman, in Charleston, South Carolina. Here he passed the + winter of 1836-7, making excursions to various points farther + south, going as far as Florida. It was at this time that he + seems to have begun, in connection with Dr. Bachman, his + studies in Natural History which resulted in the publication, + a few years later, of the "Quadrupeds of North America." + </p> + <p> + In the spring he left Charleston and set out to explore the + Gulf of Mexico, going to Galveston and thence well into + Texas, where he met General Sam Houston. Here is one of his + vivid, realistic pen pictures of the famous Texan: "We walked + towards the President's house, accompanied by the Secretary + of the Navy, and as soon as we rose above the bank, we saw + before us a level of far-extending prairie, destitute of + timber, and rather poor soil. Houses half finished, and most + of them without roofs, tents, and a liberty pole, with the + capitol, were all exhibited to our view at once. We + approached the President's mansion, however, wading through + water above our ankles. This abode of President Houston is a + small log house, consisting of two rooms, and a passage + through, after the southern fashion. The moment we stepped + over the threshold, on the right hand of the passage we found + ourselves ushered into what in other countries would be + called the antechamber; the ground floor, however, was muddy + and filthy, a large fire was burning, a small table covered + with paper and writing materials, was in the centre, + camp-beds, trunks, and different materials, were strewed + about the room. We were at once presented to several members + of the cabinet, some of whom bore the stamp of men of + intellectual ability, simple, though bold, in their general + appearance. Here we were presented to Mr. Crawford, an agent + of the British Minister to Mexico, who has come here on some + secret mission. + </p> + <p> + "The President was engaged in the opposite room on some + national business, and we could not see him for some time. + Meanwhile we amused ourselves by walking to the capitol, + which was yet without a roof, and the floors, benches, and + tables of both houses of Congress were as well saturated with + water as our clothes had been in the morning. Being invited + by one of the great men of the place to enter a booth to take + a drink of grog with him, we did so; but I was rather + surprised that he offered his name, instead of the cash to + the bar-keeper. + </p> + <p> + "We first caught sight of President Houston as he walked from + one of the grog shops, where he had been to prevent the sale + of ardent spirits. He was on his way to his house, and wore a + large grey coarse hat; and the bulk of his figure reminded me + of the appearance of General Hopkins of Virginia, for like + him he is upwards of six feet high, and strong in proportion. + But I observed a scowl in the expression of his eyes, that + was forbidding and disagreeable. We reached his abode before + him, but he soon came, and we were presented to his + excellency. He was dressed in a fancy velvet coat, and + trousers trimmed with broad gold lace; around his neck was + tied a cravat somewhat in the style of seventy-six. He + received us kindly, was desirous of retaining us for awhile, + and offered us every facility within his power. He at once + removed us from the ante-room to his private chamber, which, + by the way, was not much cleaner than the former. We were + severally introduced by him to the different members of his + cabinet and staff, and at once asked to drink grog with him, + which we did, wishing success to his new republic. Our talk + was short: but the impression which was made on my mind at + the time by himself, his officers, and his place of abode, + can never be forgotten." + </p> + <p> + Late in the summer of 1837, Audubon, with his son John and + his new wife—the daughter of Dr. Bachman, returned to + England for the last time. He finally settled down again in + Edinburgh and prepared the fourth volume of his + "Ornithological Biography." This work seems to have occupied + him a year. The volume was published in November, 1838. More + drawings for his "Birds of America" were finished the next + winter, and also the fifth volume of the "Biography" which + was published in May, 1839. + </p> + <p> + In the fall of that year the family returned to America and + settled in New York City, at 86 White street. His great work, + the "Birds of America," had been practically completed, + incredible difficulties had been surmounted, and the goal of + his long years of striving had been reached. About one + hundred and seventy-five copies of his "Birds" had been + delivered to subscribers, eighty of the number in this + country. + </p> + <p> + In a copy of the "Ornithological Biography" given in 1844 by + Audubon to J. Prescott Hall, the following note, preserved in + the <i>Magazine of American History</i> (1877) was written by + Mr. Hall. It is reproduced here in spite of its variance from + statements now accepted:— + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Audubon told me in the year 184- that he did not sell + more than 40 copies of his great work in England, Ireland, + Scotland and France, of which Louis Philippe took 10. + </p> + <p> + "The following received their copies but never paid for them: + George IV., Duchess of Clarence, Marquis of Londonderry, + Princess of Hesse Homburg. + </p> + <p> + "An Irish lord whose name he would not give, took two copies + and paid for neither. Rothschild paid for his copy, but with + great reluctance. + </p> + <p> + "He further said that he sold 75 copies in America, 26 in New + York and 24 in Boston; that the work cost him £27,000 + and that he lost $25,000 by it. + </p> + <p> + "He said that Louis Philippe offered to subscribe for 100 + copies if he would publish the work in Paris. This he found + could not be done, as it would have required 40 years to + finish it as things were then in Paris. Of this conversation + I made a memorandum at the time which I read over to Mr. + Audubon and he pronounced it correct. + </p> + <p> + <br> + "J. PRESCOTT HALL." + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + IV. + </h2> + <p> + About the very great merit of this work, there is but one + opinion among competent judges. It is, indeed, a monument to + the man's indomitable energy and perseverance, and it is a + monument to the science of ornithology. The drawings of the + birds are very spirited and life like, and their biographies + copious, picturesque, and accurate, and, taken in connection + with his many journals, they afford glimpses of the life of + the country during the early part of the century, that are of + very great interest and value. + </p> + <p> + In writing the biography of the birds he wrote his + autobiography as well; he wove his doings and adventures into + his natural history observations. This gives a personal + flavour to his pages, and is the main source of their charm. + </p> + <p> + His account of the Rosebreasted Grosbeak is a good sample of + his work in this respect: + </p> + <p> + "One year, in the month of August, I was trudging along the + shores of the Mohawk river, when night overtook me. Being + little acquainted with that part of the country, I resolved + to camp where I was; the evening was calm and beautiful, the + sky sparkled with stars which were reflected by the smooth + waters, and the deep shade of the rocks and trees of the + opposite shore fell on the bosom of the stream, while gently + from afar came on the ear the muttering sound of the + cataract. My little fire was soon lighted under a rock, and, + spreading out my scanty stock of provisions, I reclined on my + grassy couch. As I looked on the fading features of the + beautiful landscape, my heart turned towards my distant home, + where my friends were doubtless wishing me, as I wish them, a + happy night and peaceful slumbers. Then were heard the + barkings of the watch dog, and I tapped my faithful companion + to prevent his answering them. The thoughts of my worldly + mission then came over my mind, and having thanked the + Creator of all for his never-failing mercy, I closed my eyes, + and was passing away into the world of dreaming existence, + when suddenly there burst on my soul the serenade of the + Rosebreasted bird, so rich, so mellow, so loud in the + stillness of the night, that sleep fled from my eyelids. + Never did I enjoy music more: it thrilled through my heart, + and surrounded me with an atmosphere of bliss. One might + easily have imagined that even the Owl, charmed by such + delightful music, remained reverently silent. Long after the + sounds ceased did I enjoy them, and when all had again become + still, I stretched out my wearied limbs, and gave myself up + to the luxury of repose." + </p> + <p> + Probably most of the seventy-five or eighty copies of "Birds" + which were taken by subscribers in this country are still + extant, held by the great libraries, and learned + institutions. The Lenox Library in New York owns three sets. + The Astor Library owns one set. I have examined this work + there; there are four volumes in a set; they are elephant + folio size—more than three feet long, and two or more + feet wide. They are the heaviest books I ever handled. It + takes two men to carry one volume to the large racks which + hold them for the purpose of examination. The birds, of which + there are a thousand and fifty-five specimens in four hundred + and thirty-five plates, are all life size, even the great + eagles, and appear to be unfaded. This work, which cost the + original subscribers one thousand dollars, now brings four + thousand dollars at private sale. + </p> + <p> + Of the edition with reduced figures and with the bird + biographies, many more were sold, and all considerable public + libraries in this country possess the work. It consists of + seven imperial octavo volumes. Five hundred dollars is the + average price which this work brings. This was a copy of the + original English publication, with the figures reduced and + lithographed. In this work, his sons, John and Victor, + greatly assisted him, the former doing the reducing by the + aid of the camera-lucida, and the latter attending to the + printing and publishing. The first volume of this work + appeared in 1840, and the last in 1844. + </p> + <p> + Audubon experimented a long time before he hit upon a + satisfactory method of drawing his birds. Early in his + studies he merely drew them in outline. Then he practised + using threads to raise the head, wing or tail of his + specimen. Under David he had learned to draw the human figure + from a manikin. It now occurred to him to make a manikin of a + bird, using cork or wood, or wires for the purpose. But his + bird manikin only excited the laughter and ridicule of his + friends. Then he conceived the happy thought of setting up + the body of the dead bird by the aid of wires, very much as a + taxidermist mounts them. This plan worked well and enabled + him to have his birds permanently before him in a + characteristic attitude: "The bird fixed with wires on + squares I studied as a lay figure before me, its nature + previously known to me as far as habits went, and its general + form having been perfectly observed." + </p> + <p> + His bird pictures reflect his own temperament, not to say his + nationality; the birds are very demonstrative, even + theatrical and melodramatic at times. In some cases this is + all right, in others it is all wrong. Birds differ in this + respect as much as people do—some are very quiet and + sedate, others pose and gesticulate like a Frenchman. It + would not be easy to exaggerate, for instance, the flashings + and evolutions of the redstart when it arrives in May, or the + acting and posing of the catbird, or the gesticulations of + the yellow breasted chat, or the nervous and emphatic + character of the large-billed water thrush, or the many + pretty attitudes of the great Carolina wren; but to give the + same dramatic character to the demure little song sparrow, or + to the slow moving cuckoo, or to the pedestrian cowbird, or + to the quiet Kentucky warbler, as Audubon has done, is to + convey a wrong impression of these birds. + </p> + <p> + Wilson errs, if at all, in the other direction. His birds, on + the other hand, reflect his cautious, undemonstrative Scotch + nature. Few of them are shown in violent action like + Audubon's cuckoo; their poses for the most part are easy and + characteristic. His drawings do not show the mastery of the + subject and the versatility that Audubon's do;—they + have not the artistic excellence, but they less frequently do + violence to the bird's character by exaggerated activity. + </p> + <p> + The colouring in Audubon's birds is also often exaggerated. + His purple finch is as brilliant as a rose, whereas at its + best, this bird is a dull carmine. + </p> + <p> + Either the Baltimore oriole has changed its habits of + nest-building since Audubon's day, or else he was wrong in + his drawing of the nest of that bird, in making the opening + on the side near the top. I have never seen an oriole's nest + that was not open at the top. + </p> + <p> + In his drawings of a group of robins, one misses some of the + most characteristic poses of that bird, while some of the + attitudes that are portrayed are not common and familiar + ones. + </p> + <p> + But in the face of all that he accomplished, and against such + odds, and taking into consideration also the changes that may + have crept in through engraver and colourists, it ill becomes + us to indulge in captious criticisms. Let us rather repeat + Audubon's own remark on realising how far short his drawings + came of representing the birds themselves: "After all, + there's nothing perfect but <i>primitiveness</i>." + </p> + <p> + Finding that he could not live in the city, in 1842 Audubon + removed with his family to "Minnie's Land," on the banks of + the Hudson, now known as Audubon Park, and included in the + city limits; this became his final home. + </p> + <p> + In the spring of 1843 he started on his last long journey, + his trip to the Yellow-stone River, of which we have a minute + account in his "Missouri River Journals"—documents that + lay hidden in the back of an old secretary from 1843 to the + time when they were found by his grand-daughters in 1896, and + published by them in 1897. + </p> + <p> + This trip was undertaken mainly in the interests of the + "Quadrupeds and Biography of American Quadrupeds," and much + of what he saw and did is woven into those three volumes. The + trip lasted eight months, and the hardships and exposures + seriously affected Audubon's health. He returned home in + October, 1843. + </p> + <p> + He was now sixty-four or five years of age, and the + infirmities of his years began to steal upon him. + </p> + <p> + The first volume of his "Quadrupeds" was published about two + years later, and this was practically his last work. The + second and third volumes were mainly the work of his sons, + John and Victor. + </p> + <p> + The "Quadrupeds" does not take rank with his "Birds." It was + not his first love. It was more an after thought to fill up + his time. Neither the drawing nor the colouring of the + animals, largely the work of his son John, approaches those + of the birds. + </p> + <p> + "Surely no man ever had better helpers" says his + grand-daughter, and a study of his life brings us to the same + conclusion—his devoted wife, his able and willing sons, + were his closest helpers, nor do we lose sight of the + assistance of the scientific and indefatigable MacGillivray, + and the untiring and congenial co-worker, Dr. Bachman. + </p> + <p> + Audubon's last years were peaceful and happy, and were passed + at his home on the Hudson, amid his children and + grandchildren, surrounded by the scenes that he loved. + </p> + <p> + After his eyesight began to fail him, his devoted wife read + to him, she walked with him, and toward the last she fed him. + "Bread and milk were his breakfast and supper, and at noon he + ate a little fish or game, never having eaten animal food if + he could avoid it." + </p> + <p> + One visiting at the home of our naturalist during his last + days speaks of the tender way in which he said to his wife: + "Well, sweetheart, always busy. Come sit thee down a few + minutes and rest." + </p> + <p> + Parke Godwin visited Audubon in 1846, and gives this account + of his visit: + </p> + <p> + "The house was simple and unpretentious in its architecture, + and beautifully embowered amid elms and oaks. Several + graceful fawns, and a noble elk, were stalking in the shade + of the trees, apparently unconscious of the presence of a few + dogs, and not caring for the numerous turkeys, geese, and + other domestic animals that gabbled and screamed around them. + Nor did my own approach startle the wild, beautiful + creatures, that seemed as docile as any of their tame + companions. + </p> + <p> + "'Is the master at home?' I asked of a pretty maid servant, + who answered my tap at the door; and who, after informing me + that he was, led me into a room on the left side of the broad + hall. It was not, however, a parlour, or an ordinary + reception room that I entered, but evidently a room for work. + In one corner stood a painter's easel, with the half-finished + sketch of a beaver on the paper; in the other lay the skin of + an American panther. The antlers of elks hung upon the walls; + stuffed birds of every description of gay plumage ornamented + the mantel-piece; and exquisite drawings of field mice, + orioles, and woodpeckers, were scattered promiscuously in + other parts of the room, across one end of which a long, rude + table was stretched to hold artist materials, scraps of + drawing paper, and immense folio volumes, filled with + delicious paintings of birds taken in their native haunts. + </p> + <p> + "'This,' said I to myself, 'is the studio of the naturalist,' + but hardly had the thought escaped me when the master himself + made his appearance. He was a tall thin man, with a + high-arched and serene forehead, and a bright penetrating + grey eye; his white locks fell in clusters upon his + shoulders, but were the only signs of age, for his form was + erect, and his step as light as that of a deer. The + expression of his face was sharp, but noble and commanding, + and there was something in it, partly derived from the + aquiline nose and partly from the shutting of the mouth, + which made you think of the imperial eagle. + </p> + <p> + "His greeting as he entered, was at once frank and cordial, + and showed you the sincere true man. 'How kind it is,' he + said, with a slight French accent and in a pensive tone, 'to + come to see me; and how wise, too, to leave that crazy city.' + He then shook me warmly by the hand. 'Do you know,' he + continued, 'how I wonder that men can consent to swelter and + fret their lives away amid those hot bricks and pestilent + vapours, when the woods and fields are all so near? It would + kill me soon to be confined in such a prison house; and when + I am forced to make an occasional visit there, it fills me + with loathing and sadness. Ah! how often, when I have been + abroad on the mountains, has my heart risen in grateful + praise to God that it was not my destiny to waste and pine + among those noisome congregations of the city.'" + </p> + <p> + Another visitor to Audubon during his last days writes: "In + my interview with the naturalist, there were several things + that stamped themselves indelibly on my mind. The wonderful + simplicity of the man was perhaps the most remarkable. His + enthusiasm for facts made him unconscious of himself. To make + him happy you had only to give him a new fact in natural + history, or introduce him to a rare bird. His + self-forgetfulness was very impressive. I felt that I had + found a man who asked homage for God and Nature, and not for + himself. + </p> + <p> + "The unconscious greatness of the man seemed only equalled by + his child-like tenderness. The sweet unity between his wife + and himself, as they turned over the original drawings of his + birds, and recalled the circumstances of the drawings, some + of which had been made when she was with him; her quickness + of perception, and their mutual enthusiasm regarding these + works of his heart and hand, and the tenderness with which + they unconsciously treated each other, all was impressed upon + my memory. Ever since, I have been convinced that Audubon + owed more to his wife than the world knew, or ever would + know. That she was always a reliance, often a help, and ever + a sympathising sister-soul to her noble husband, was fully + apparent to me." + </p> + <p> + One notes much of the same fire and vigour in the later + portraits of Audubon, that are so apparent in those of him in + his youthful days. What a resolute closing of the mouth in + his portrait taken of him in his old age—"the + magnificent grey-haired man!" + </p> + <p> + In 1847, Audubon's mind began to fail him; like Emerson in + his old age, he had difficulty in finding the right word. + </p> + <p> + In May, 1848, Dr. Bachman wrote of him: "My poor friend + Audubon! The outlines of his beautiful face and form are + there, but his noble mind is all in ruins." + </p> + <p> + His feebleness increased (there was no illness), till at + sunset, January 27, 1851, in his seventy-sixth year, the + "American Woodsman," as he was wont to call himself, set out + on his last long journey to that bourne whence no traveller + returns. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + V. + </h2> + <p> + As a youth Audubon was an unwilling student of books; as a + merchant and mill owner in Kentucky he was an unwilling man + of business, but during his whole career, at all times and in + all places, he was more than a willing student of + ornithology—he was an eager and enthusiastic one. He + brought to the pursuit of the birds, and to the study of open + air life generally, the keen delight of the sportsman, united + to the ardour of the artist moved by beautiful forms. + </p> + <p> + He was not in the first instance a man of science, like + Cuvier, or Agassiz, or Darwin—a man seeking exact + knowledge; but he was an artist and a backwoodsman, seeking + adventure, seeking the gratification of his tastes, and to + put on record his love of the birds. He was the artist of the + birds before he was their historian; the writing of their + biographies seems to have been only secondary with him. + </p> + <p> + He had the lively mercurial temperament of the Latin races + from which he sprang. He speaks of himself as "warm, + irascible, and at times violent." + </p> + <p> + His perceptive powers, of course, led his reflective. His + sharpness and quickness of eye surprised even the Indians. He + says: "My <i>observatory nerves</i> never gave way." + </p> + <p> + His similes and metaphors were largely drawn from the animal + world. Thus he says, "I am as dull as a beetle," during his + enforced stay in London. While he was showing his drawings to + Mr. Rathbone, he says: "I was panting like the winged + pheasant." At a dinner in some noble house in England he said + that the men servants "moved as quietly as killdeers." On + another occasion, when the hostess failed to put him at his + ease: "There I stood, motionless as a Heron." + </p> + <p> + With all his courage and buoyancy, Audubon was subject to + fits of depression, probably the result largely of his + enforced separation from his family. On one occasion in + Edinburgh he speaks of these attacks, and refers pathetically + to others he had had: "But that was in beloved America, where + the ocean did not roll between me and my wife and sons." + </p> + <p> + Never was a more patriotic American. He loved his adopted + country above all other lands in which he had journeyed. + </p> + <p> + Never was a more devoted husband, and never did wife more + richly deserve such devotion than did Mrs. Audubon. He says + of her: "She felt the pangs of our misfortune perhaps more + heavily than I, but never for an hour lost her courage; her + brave and cheerful spirit accepted all, and no reproaches + from her beloved lips ever wounded my heart. With her was I + not always rich?" + </p> + <p> + "The waiting time, my brother, is the hardest time of all." + </p> + <p> + While Audubon was waiting for better luck, or for worse, he + was always listening to the birds and studying + them—storing up the knowledge that he turned to such + good account later: but we can almost hear his neighbours and + acquaintances calling him an "idle, worthless fellow." Not so + his wife; she had even more faith in him than he had in + himself. + </p> + <p> + His was a lovable nature—he won affection and devotion + easily, and he loved to be loved; he appreciated the least + kindness shown him. + </p> + <p> + He was always at ease and welcome in the squatter's cabin or + in elegantly appointed homes, like that of his friends, the + Rathbones, though he does complain of an awkwardness and + shyness sometimes when in high places. This, however, seemed + to result from the pomp and ceremony found there, and not + because of the people themselves. + </p> + <p> + "Chivalrous, generous, and courteous to his heart's core," + says his granddaughter, "he could not believe others less so, + till painful experiences taught him; then he was grieved, + hurt, but never embittered; and, more marvellous yet, with + his faith in his fellows as strong as ever, again and again + he subjected himself to the same treatment." + </p> + <p> + On one occasion when his pictures were on exhibition in + England, some one stole one of his paintings, and a warrant + was issued against a deaf mute. "Gladly would I have painted + a bird for the poor fellow," said Audubon, "and I certainly + did not want him arrested." + </p> + <p> + He was never, even in his most desperate financial straits, + too poor to help others more poor than himself. + </p> + <p> + He had a great deal of the old-fashioned piety of our + fathers, which crops out abundantly in his pages. While he + was visiting a Mr. Bently in Manchester, and after retiring + to his room for the night, he was surprised by a knock at his + door. It appeared that his host in passing thought he heard + Audubon call to him to ask for something: "I told him I + prayed aloud every night, as had been my habit from a child + at my mother's knees in Nantes. He said nothing for a moment, + then again wished me good night and was gone." + </p> + <p> + Audubon belonged to the early history of the country, to the + pioneer times, to the South and the West, and was, on the + whole, one of the most winsome, interesting, and picturesque + characters that have ever appeared in our annals. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + BIBLIOGRAPHY. + </h2> + <p> + [Footnote: Publisher's Note: This bibliography is that of the + original 1902 edition. Many books on Audubon have been + published since then.] + </p> + <p> + The works of Audubon are mentioned in the chronology at the + beginning of the volume and in the text. Of the writings + about him the following—apart from the obvious books of + reference in American biography—are the main sources of + information:— + </p> + <p> + I. PROSE WRITINGS OF AMERICA. By Rufus Wilmot Griswold. + (Philadelphia, 1847: Carey & Hart.) + </p> + <p> + II. BRIEF BIOGRAPHIES. By Samuel Smiles. (Boston, 1861: + Ticknor & Fields.) + </p> + <p> + III. AUDUBON, THE NATURALIST OF THE NEW WORLD: His ADVENTURES + AND DISCOVERIES. By Mrs. Horace Roscoe Stebbing St. John. + (Revised, with additions. Boston, 1864: Crosby & Nichols. + New York, 1875: The World Publishing House.) + </p> + <p> + IV. THE LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF JOHN JAMES AUDUBON, THE + NATURALIST. Edited, from materials supplied by his widow, by + Robert Buchanan. (London, 1868: S. Low, son & Marston.) + </p> + <p> + V. THE LIFE OF JOHN JAMES AUDUBON. Edited by his widow, with + an Introduction by James Grant Wilson. (New York, 1869: + Putnams.) + </p> + <p> + VI. FAMOUS MEN OF SCIENCE. By Sarah Knowles Bolton. (Boston, + 1889: T. Y. Crowell & Co.) + </p> + <p> + VII. AUDUBON AND HIS JOURNALS. By Maria R. Audubon. With + Zoological and Other Notes by Elliott Coues. (New York, 1897: + Charles Scribner's Sons. Two volumes.) This is by far the + most interesting and authentic of any of the sources of + information. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> +<BR> +<BR> +<BR> +<BR> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of John James Audubon, by John Burroughs + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK JOHN JAMES AUDUBON *** + +***** This file should be named 7404-h.htm or 7404-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/7/4/0/7404/ + +Produced by Eric Eldred, Robert Connal, David Garcia, and +the Online Distributed Proofreading Team + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will +be renamed. + +Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright +law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, +so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United +States without permission and without paying copyright +royalties. 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