Page:Ornithological biography, or an account of the habits of the birds of the United States of America, vol 2.djvu/15

, Esq. Dr , and many other gentlemen of great learning and talent; at the latter, with Dr , Dr , and others. These Universities afforded me several subscribers.

In the summer of 1828, my friend Swainson and I went to Paris, where I became acquainted with the great, , his son , M. , and M. , as well as that master of flower-painters M. , 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, where the learned of all countries usually assembled. Through the influence of my noble-spirited friend M., I was introduced to the Duke of , now King of the French, and to several Ministers of State. The hour spent with 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