men, liberal like himself. Soon after I was elected a Member
of the Linnsean and Zoological Societies.
About this time, the Prince of MUSIGNANO, so well known
for his successful cultivation of Natural History, arrived in London.
He found me out through the medium of the learned geologist
FEATHERSTONHAUGH, and one evening I had the pleasure
of receiving a visit from him, accompanied by that gentleman,
Mr VIGORS, and some other persons. I felt happy in
having once more by my side my first ornithological adviser, and
that amiable and highly talented friend, with the accomplished
geologist, remained with me until a late hour. Their departure
affected me with grief, and since that period I have not seen the
Prince. For several months I occupied myself with painting in
oil, and attending to the progress of my plates. I now became
acquainted with that eminent and amiable painter, Sir THOMAS
LAWRENCE, through a kindred spirit, THOMAS SULLY of Philadelphia
; from both of whom, at different periods, I have received
advice with reference to their enchanting art. One morning
I had the good fortune to receive a visit from Mr SWAINSON,
whose skill as a naturalist every one knows, and who has
ever since been my substantial friend. M. TEMMINCK also called,
as did other scientific individuals, among whom was my evervalued
friend ROBERT BAKEWELL, whose investigations have
tended so much to advance the progress of geology; and as my
acquaintance increased I gradually acquired happiness. Having
visited those renowned seats of learning, Cambridge and Oxford,
I became acquainted at the former with the Vice-Chancellor Mr
DAVIE, Professors SEDGWICK, WHEWELL, and HENSLOW,
the Right Honourable WENT WORTH FITZWILLIAM, JOHN
LODGE, Esq. Dr THACKERY, and many other gentlemen of
great learning and talent; at the latter, with Dr BUCKLAND,
Dr KIDD, and others. These Universities afforded me several
subscribers.
In the summer of 1828, my friend SWAIN SON and I went
to Paris, where I became acquainted with the great CUVIER,
GEOFFROY ST HILAIRE, his son ISIDORE, M. DORBIGNY,
and M. LESSON, as well as that master of flower-painters M.
REDOUTE', and other persons eminent in science and the arts.
Our time in Paris was usefully and agreeably spent. We were
gratified at the liberality with which every object that we desired
to examine in the great Museum of France was submitted
to our inspection. Many of our evenings were spent under the
hospitable roof of Baron CUVIER, where the learned of all countries
usually assembled. Through the influence of my noblespirited
friend M. REDOUTE', I was introduced to the Duke of
ORLEANS, now King of the French, and to several Ministers
of State. The hour spent with Louis PHILLIPPE and his
Son, was, by their dignified urbanity, rendered one of the most
agreeable that has fallen to my lot; and in consequence of that
interview I procured many patrons and friends.
Returning to England, I spent the winter there, and in
April 1829, sailed for America. With what pleasure did I
gaze on each setting sun, as it sunk in the far distant west!
with what delight did I mark the first wandering American bird
that hovered over the waters ! and how joyous were my feelings
when I saw a pilot on our deck ! I leaped on the shore, scoured
the woods of the Middle States, and reached Louisiana in
the end of November. Accompanied by my wife, I left New
Orleans on the 8th of January 1830, and sailing from New York