NOBILITY OF CHARACTER. 9 dial feeling and geniality of heart, which as a richer endowment even than his intellectual superiority, distinguished so specially and so honourably the renowned Poet Naturalist of the New World Through an amiable modesty, Audubon himself permits many details of his life to be veiled in obscurity. This, which may reasonably be supposed to increase the difficulty of the biographer in following minutely and accurately his career, is not, however, an insurmountable impediment. From strict attention to the various sources from which information may be gathered, it is comparatively easy to follow, step by step, the fascinating story, edifying from the example it affords, and replete not only from its scientific, but from its moral value, with interest and importance. CHAPTER II. AŞ S Audubon advanced towards manhood, his father desired to present him with some enduring evidence of the affectionate regard he had ever manifested. An estate, or, according to American phraseology, a plantation, in the beautiful State of Pennsylvania, * surrounded by woodlands, meadows, and verdurous hills, was the appropriate token selected. This spot offered many an enticing subject for the artist's pencil. Rambling at dawn, to return wet with the fresh dews of morning-rejoiced if the bearer of a feathered prize-Audubon here passed delicious days in the pursuit of his favourite studies. His plantation reposed on the sloping declivity of the Perkioming Creek. Along the rocky banks, it was his habit fondly to loiter. There he could watch the sweet flowers cordially unfolding their beauty to the sun, see the contemplative kingfisher perched with dignity on some * At that time Pennsylvania was a slave state, and the farms were called plantations. PURSUIT OF STUDIES. 11 stone or spray, reflected in the clear water beneath; the fish hawk and white-headed eagle, their elegant aerial motións raising the thoughts to that heaven towards which they soared. A small cave, scooped by nature in the rock, was his studio. Some paper, pencils, with a volume of Edgworth's tales, or La Fontaine's charming fables, were its contents. Here, when swelling buds and blossoming trees-spite of snow-flakes on the earth and chill winds—told the approach of spring, the birds returned to their nests in the rock, over the arched entrance of his retreat. Already the glowing rays of the sun coloured richly every object, when entering one morning his accustomed sanctum, a rustling sound told the arrival of the pewee fly catchers, his appearance had disturbed. Courteously he withdrew to leave his retreat occupied by the little pilgrims. Daily he returned to behold them fluttering in and about the cave, darting through the air and enjoying, apparently, by their fluttering motions and erected crest, the most agreeable converse. Before a week the pewees and their guardian were on terms of such intimacy, that Audubon, determined to enjoy the company of so affectionate and amiable a pair, spent the greater part of the day again in his cave with them. Delighted, he observed them repair the nest, and warm it by an addi tional lining of some large soft feathers of the goose, picked up by them along the water's edge. Meanwhile, the emotion of their twittering notes and gentle expressions of tenderness in their caresses, seemed to anticipate their future joys. As long as the plantation remained to Audubon, a pewee's nest continued in his favourite retreat. This species of bird is abundant in the Floridas, as also during winter in Louisiana and the Carolinas. It almost invariariably forms its nest in caves or the rocky banks of creeks. And now the enthusiastic passion, hitherto awakened only by birds and flowers, was kindled in the presence of a nobler breathing nature realizing more than all of material beauty beheld before, as well as the highest idealism could conceive. He loved; and we may conclude, that “his affection” was not "light as the feathers he delineated," since soon he was a husband, and through existence continued tenderly mindful of the relationship he owned. Of this, we have ample testimony, notwithstanding the long intervals of absence his occupations necessitated. We have treasured reminiscences and brightening glimpses of returning dearly-cherished joys glittering like sparingly-scattered gems over the restless and often troubled current of his way. At this time, his feelings were wounded by the irritating remarks of some well-meaning friends, who, ignorant of his genius, and deaf to its charmed voice, opposed the prosecution of his pursuits. Doubtless, he was not only admonished, but censured as heedless of interest and of duty. Happily he found solace in the sympathy of the chosen companion of his life, who, during the solitude of separation, also found her consolation in the sustaining conviction of the nobility and worth of an affection like that of Audubon's, ever unaltered by trial. To Louisville, one of his favourite abiding places, Audubon repaired immediately after his marriage. It was situated on the banks of La Belle Rivière. Graced by the famed rapids of the Ohio leaping over their rocky beds—by the mountains of the Silver Hills, bounding on the opposite side a Swiss-like view, miles in extent. On the north, one of the many beautiful streams which adorn the State is the Beargrass Creek, loitering through a shady wood of majestic beeches, interspersed with walnuts, oaks, elms, and ashes, which extend on either side its course. It was the resort of many a lounger in the balmy, sunny days of that climate, and it was also a favoured spot in the country, for the celebration of the great day of the American people, the Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Then in the warmth of summer, when har |