Audubon and his Journals, Volume 1 (of 2)

40

Referring to Mr. Robert Havell, of No. 77 Oxford St., London. His name will be recalled in connection with Sterna havellii, the Tern which Audubon shot at New Orleans in 1820, and dedicated to his engraver in "Orn. Biogr." v., 1839, p. 122, "B. Amer.," 8vo, vii., 1844, p. 103, pl. 434. It is the winter plumage of the bird Nuttall called S. forsteri in his "Manual," ii., 1834, p. 274. See Coues, "Proceedings of the Philadelphia Academy of Science," 1862, p. 543. – E. C.

41

See previous note on p. 59, where it is said that plates 1-25 appeared in 1827, and plates 26-50 in 1828 – in attestation of which the above words to Victor Audubon become important. – E. C.

42

It actually ran to 87 numbers, as stated in a previous note.

43

See Episodes "Great Egg Harbor" and "Great Pine Swamp."

44

Mr. Garrett Johnson, where Mrs. Audubon was then teaching.

45

There has been much question as to the spelling of MacGillivray's name, Professor Newton and most others writing it Macgillivray, but in the autograph letters we own the capital "G" is always used.

46

Address at the special meeting of the New York Academy of Sciences, April 26, 1893.

47

Referring to one of the six "epochs" into which, in the same work, Dr. Coues divided the progress of American Ornithology. His "Audubon epoch" extends from 1824 to 1853, and one of the four periods into which this epoch is divided is the "Audubonian period," 1834-1853.

48

Descriptions of the Rapacious Birds of Great Britain. By William MacGillivray, A.M., Edinburgh, 1836, I vol. small 8vo. This valuable treatise is dedicated "To John James Audubon, in admiration of his talents as an ornithologist, and in gratitude for many acts of friendship." Mr. MacGillivray also had then in preparation or contemplation his larger "History of British Birds," 3 volumes of which appeared in 1837-40, but the 4th and 5th volumes not till 1852. – E. C.

49

The completed volume bears date of MDCCCXXXI. on the titlepage and the publisher's imprint of "Adam Black, 55, North Bridge, Edinburgh." The collation is pp. i-xxiv, 1-512, + 15 pp. of Prospectus, etc. This is the text to plates I. – C. (1-100) of the elephant folios. Other copies are said to bear the imprint of "Philadelphia, E. L. Carey and A. Hart, MDCCCXXXI." – E. C.

Audubon wrote to Dr. Richard Harlan on March 13, 1831, "I have sent a copy of the first volume to you to-day."

50

We only possess one oil painting signed "Audubon."

51

John Bachman, D.D., LL.D., Ph.D., Feb. 4, 1790-April 24, 1874. Author of many works, scientific, zoölogical, and religious. For sixty years he was pastor of St. John's Lutheran Church, Charleston, S.C.

52

Both these daughters died young, – Maria, the eldest, who married John, before she was twenty-four; Eliza, who married Victor, still younger, during the first year of her wedded life.

53

Mr. Joseph Coolidge, formerly of Maine, now of San Francisco, Cal. Two others are known by name to every ornithologist through Audubon's Emberiza shattuckii and Fringilla lincolnii; for these birds see notes beyond. – E. C.

54

The offices 34 Liberty St., New York, were burned at this time.

55

John James Abert, who was in 1837 brevet lieutenant-colonel of Topographical Engineers, U.S. Army, and afterward chief of his corps. Abert's Squirrel, Sciurus aberti, forms the subject of plate 153, fig. 1, of Audubon and Bachman's "Quadrupeds."

56

This important and standard work on American Mammalogy was not, however, finished till many years afterward, nor did Audubon live to see its completion. Publication of the colored plates in oblong folio, without text, began at least as early as 1840, and with few exceptions they first appeared in this form. They were subsequently reduced to large octavo size, and issued in parts with the text, then first published. The whole, text and plates, were then gathered in 3 volumes: vol. i., 1846; vol. ii., 1851; vol. iii., to page 254 and pl. 150, 1853; vol. iii., p. 255 to end, 1854. There are in all 155 plates; 50 in vol. i., 50 in vol. ii., 55 in vol. iii.; about half of them are from Audubon's brush, the rest by John Woodhouse. The exact character of the joint authorship does not appear; but no doubt the technical descriptions are by Dr. Bachman. Publication was made in New York by Victor Audubon; and there was a reissue of some parts of the work at least, as vol. i. is found with copyright of 1849, and date 1851 on the title. – E. C.

57

Lucy, now Mrs. Delancey B. Williams.

58

Victor Audubon wrote in reply to a question as to how many copies of the "Birds" were in existence: "About 175 copies; of these I should say 80 were in our own country. The length of time over which the work extended brought many changes to original subscribers, and this accounts for the odd volumes which are sometimes offered for sale."

In stating that the work had been "absolutely completed" in 1838, I must not omit to add that when the octavo reissue appeared it contained a few additional birds chiefly derived from Audubon's fruitful voyage up the Missouri in 1843, which also yielded much material for the work on the Quadrupeds. The appearance of the "Synopsis" in 1839 marks the interval between the completion of the original undertaking and the beginning of plans for its reduction to octavo. – E. C.

59

"These little folk, of all sizes, sit and play in my room and do not touch the specimens." (Letter of Dr. Bachman, May 11, 1848, to his family in Charleston.)

60

Harper's Monthly Magazine, October, 1880, p. 665.

61

Both sons had married a second time. Victor had married Georgiana R. Mallory of New York, and John, Caroline Hall of England.

62

Mrs. V. G. Audubon.

63

Reminiscences of Audubon, Scribner's Monthly, July, 1876, p. 333; Turf, Field, and Farm, Nov. 18, 1881.

64

Unveiled April 26, 1893, on which occasion eulogies were pronounced by Mr. D. G. Elliot, ex-president of the American Ornithologists' Union, and Prof. Thomas Egleston of Columbia College.

65

This sounds involved, but is copied verbatim.

66

Mr. Wm. Rathbone, of the firm of Rathbone Bros. & Co., to whom Audubon had a letter from Mr. Vincent Nolté. To Messrs. Wm. and Richard Rathbone, and their father Wm. Rathbone, Sr., Audubon was more deeply indebted than to any other of his many kind friends in England. Their hospitality was only equalled by their constant and valuable assistance in preparing for the publication of the "Birds," and when this was an assured fact, they were unresting in their efforts to aid Audubon in procuring subscribers. It is with pleasure that Audubon's descendants to-day acknowledge this indebtedness to the "family Rathbone," which is ever held in grateful remembrance.

67

William Roscoe, historical, botanical, and miscellaneous writer, 1753-1831.

68

In a charming letter written to me by Mr. Richard R. Rathbone, son of this gentleman, dated Glan y Menai, Anglesey, May 14, 1897, he says: "To us there was a halo of romance about Mr. Audubon, artist, naturalist, quondam backwoodsman, and the author of that splendid work which I used to see on a table constructed to hold the copy belonging to my Uncle William, opening with hinges so as to raise the bird portraits as if on a desk. But still more I remember his amiable character, though tinged with melancholy by past sufferings; and his beautiful, expressive face, kept alive in my memory by his autograph crayon sketch thereof, in profile, with the words written at foot, 'Audubon at Green Bank. Almost happy, 9th September, 1826.' Mr. Audubon painted for my father, as a gift, an Otter (in oils) caught by the fore-foot in a steel trap, and after vainly gnawing at the foot to release himself, throwing up his head, probably with a yell of agony, and displaying his wide-open jaws dripping with blood. This picture hung on our walls for years, until my mother could no longer bear the horror of it, and persuaded my father to part with it. We also had a full-length, life-sized portrait of the American Turkey, striding through the forest. Both pictures went to a public collection in Liverpool. I have also a colored sketch by Mr. Audubon of a Robin Redbreast, shot by him at Green Bank, which I saw him pin with long pins into a bit of board to fix it into position for the instruction of my mother."

69

At Green Bank.

70

Vincent Nolté, born at Leghorn, 1779, traveller, merchant, adventurer.

71

William Henry Hunt (1790-1864).

72

Mrs. Alexander Gordon was Mrs. Audubon's sister Anne.

73

Thomas Stewart Traill, M.D., Scottish naturalist, born in Orkney, 1781; edited the eighth edition of the "Encyclopædia Britannica," was associated with the Royal Institute at Liverpool; he died 1862.

74

The Swiss historian, born at Geneva, 1773, died 1842.

75

Daughter of Mr. William Rathbone, Sr.; married Dr. William Reynolds.

76

Edward, fourteenth Earl of Derby, 1799-1869. Member of Parliament, Chief Secretary for Ireland, Secretary for the Colonies, First Lord of the Treasury, and Prime Minister. Translated Homer's Iliad into blank verse. His was a life of many interests: literature, art, society, public affairs, sportmanship, and above all "the most perfect orator of his day."

77

Mrs. Wm. Rathbone, Sr., whom Audubon often calls "Lady Rathbone," and also "The Queen Bee."

78

Muzio Clementi, composer and pianist, born in Rome, 1752, died in London, 1832. Head of the piano firm of that name.

79

Relative of Mr. Wm. Rathbone, Sr.

80

The Irwell.

81

William Smyth, 1766-1849, poet, scholar, and Professor of Modern History at Cambridge.

82

Henry Clay.

83

John Randolph of Roanoke, 1773-1833, American orator and statesman.

84

William S. Roscoe, son of William Roscoe, 1781-1843.

85

I believe Mr. Robert Bentley, the publisher.

86

Robert Jameson, the eminent Scotch naturalist, 1774-1854. Regius Professor of Natural History in the University of Edinburgh. Founder of the Wernerian Society of that city, and with Sir David Brewster originated the "Edinburgh Philosophical Review." Wrote many works on geology and mineralogy.

87

Andrew Duncan, M.D., 1745-1828. Lecturer in the University of Edinburgh.

88

Patrick Neill, 1776-1851, Scottish naturalist and horticulturalist. Was a printer in Edinburgh at this time.

89

Prideaux John Selby, English ornithologist, author of "British Birds" and other works; died 1867.

90

Lord Francis Jeffrey, 1773-1850, the distinguished Scottish critic and essayist.

91

Sir William Jardine.

92

W. H. Lizars, the engraver who made a few of the earliest plates of the "Birds of America."

93

Scottish naturalist, 1800-1874. Published "Naturalists' Library" and other works.

94

James Wilson, brother of Professor John Wilson (Christopher North), naturalist and scientific writer, 1795-1856.

95

George Combe, an eminent phrenologist and author on that subject. Born and died in Edinburgh, 1788-1856.

96

David Bridges, editor of one of the Edinburgh newspapers.

97

John Syme. His portrait of Audubon was the first one ever engraved.

98

Charles Waterton, English naturalist and traveller, 1782-1865, – always an enemy of Audubon's.

99

This seal Audubon always used afterwards, and it is still in the possession of the family.

100

Robert Graham, Scottish physician and botanist, born at Stirling, 1786, died at Edinburgh, 1845.

101

David Brewster, author, scientist, and philosopher, Edinburgh, 1781-

102

Dugald Stewart, Professor of Moral Philosophy, author, etc., Edinburgh, 1753-1828.

103

Thomas Bruce, seventh Earl of Elgin. 1777-1841.

104

Wm. Forbes Skene, Scottish historian.

105

Afterwards Sir William Allan, historical painter; in 1833 was elected president of the Scottish Royal Academy, Edinburgh. 1782-1850.

106

An eminent divine 1784-1858; father of Dr. John Brown, author of "Rab and his Friends," etc.

107

William Nicholson, First Secretary of the Scottish Academy and portrait painter. 1784-1844.

108

Traveller and author. 1788-1844.

109

Robert Kaye Greville, author of "Plants of Edinburgh" and other botanical works, 1794-1866.

110

This entry begins a new blank book, in shape and size like a ledger, every line of which is closely written.

111

Spencer Perceval, born 1762, assassinated in the lobby of the House of Commons, May 11, 1812.

112

"Jan. 22, 1827. A visit from Basil Hall with Mr. Audubon the ornithologist, who has followed that pursuit by many a long wandering in the American forests. He is an American by naturalization, a Frenchman by birth, but less of a Frenchman than I have ever seen, – no dash, no 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." (Journal of Sir Walter Scott, vol. i., p. 343.)

113

"January 24. Visit from Mr. Audubon, who brings some of his birds. The drawings are of the first order – the attitudes of the birds of the most animated character, and the situations appropriate… This sojourner of the desert had been in the woods for months together. He preferred associating with the Indians to the company of the settlers; very justly, I daresay, for a civilized man of the lower order when thrust back on the savage state becomes worse than a savage." (Journal of Sir Walter Scott, vol. i., p. 345.)

114

Sir John Leslie, 1766-1832, Scottish geometer and natural philosopher and voluminous author on these subjects.

115

Joseph B. Kidd, who later copied many of Audubon's birds.

116

James Baillie Fraser, 1783-1856, Scottish writer of travels.

117

Mrs. Anne Grant, poetess and miscellaneous writer. Born 1755, died 1838.

118

This entry is the only one on a large page, of which a facsimile is given. It is written in the centre, and all around the edge of the paper is a heavy black border, an inch in depth.

119

A distinguished ornithologist said of the book in 1895: "It is one of the few illustrated books, if not the only one, that steadily increases in price as the years go on."

120

One of the greatest metaphysicians of modern times. Born at Glasgow 1788, died in Edinburgh, 1856.

121

Possibly Charles Heath, engraver, 1784-1848.

122

Thomas Bewick was at this time nearly seventy-four. He died Nov. 8, 1828, being then past seventy-five.

123

Probably St. Mary's Abbey.

124

Mr. Vernon was the president of the Philosophical Society of York.

125

Mr. John Backhouse.

126

Nearly every entry in all the journals begins and ends with a morning greeting, and an affectionate good-night. These have been omitted with occasional exceptions.

127

Mr. Melly.

128

John George Children, 1777-1852, English physicist and naturalist, at this time secretary of the Royal Society.

129

Robert Inglis, 1786-1855, of the East India Company.

130

Nicholas Aylward Vigors, 1787-1840, naturalist, First Secretary of the Zoölogical Society of London.

131

Then a boy not fifteen, who was at Bayou Sara with his mother.

132

When found by Audubon the Havells were in extreme poverty. He provided everything for them, and his publication made them comparatively wealthy.

133

Benson Rathbone.

134

The distance between these places is about two miles.

135

The Duck-billed Platypus, Ornithorynchus paradoxus of Australia. – E. C.

136

The Andean Eagle is undoubtedly the Harpy, Thrasaëtos harpyia. – E. C.

137

François Athanase de Charette, a leader of the Vendéans against the French Republic; executed at Nantes, on May 12, 1797.

138

Children's Warbler. Plate xxxv.

139

Vigors' Warbler. Plate xxx.

140

Cuvier's Regulus. Plate lv. No bird was named after Temminck by Audubon.

141

This decision was made in consequence of various newspaper and personal attacks, which, then as now, came largely from people who knew nothing of the matter under consideration. It was a decision, however, never altered except in so far as regards the Episodes published in the "Ornithological Biography."

142

David Don, Scottish botanist, 1800-1840; at this time Librarian of Linnæan Society.

143

Thomas Nuttall, botanist and ornithologist; born in England 1786, died at St. Helen's, England, September 10, 1859.

144

Of all the twenty-six only three are known to be in existence; the other volumes now extant are all of later date.

145

Joshua Brookes, 1761-1833, anatomist and surgeon.

146

Captain (Sir) Edward Sabine accompanied Parry's expedition to the Arctic regions, – a mathematician, traveller, and Fellow of the Royal Society, 1819. Born in Dublin, 1788, died in Richmond, 1883.

147

Adam Sedgwick, geologist. 1785-1873.

148

William Whewell, 1795-1866, Professor of Moral Philosophy, Mineralogy, and other sciences.

149

John Stevens Henslow, botanist, 1796-1861.

150

Dr. John Kidd, 1775-1851, Professor of Chemistry and Medicine at Oxford.

151

Edward Burton, D.D., 1794-1836, Professor of Divinity at Oxford.

152

William Buckland, D.D., 1784-1856, geologist.

153

John Claudius Loudon, 1783-1843, writer on horticulture and arboriculture. In 1828-1836, editor of the "Magazine of Natural History."

154

Edward Turner Bennett, 1797-1836, zoölogist.

155

William Swainson, naturalist and writer. Born in England 1789, emigrated in 1841 to New Zealand, where he died 1855.

156

This picture is still in the family, being owned by one of the granddaughters.

157

François Levaillant, born at Paramaribo, 1753; died in France, 1824.

158

John Edward Gray, 1800-1875, zoölogist.

159

No trace of this portrait can be found.

160

George Chrétien Léopold Frédéric Dagobert Cuvier, Baron, 1769-1832; statesman, author, philosopher, and one of the greatest naturalists of modern times.

161

Achille Valenciennes, born 1794, French naturalist.

162

Étienne Geoffroy de St. Hilaire, 1772-1844, French naturalist.

163

René Primevère Lesson, a French naturalist and author, born at Rochefort, 1794, died 1849.

164

Isidore Geoffroy St. Hilaire, 1805-1861, zoölogist.

165

Son of André, Prince d'Essling and Duc de Rivoli, one of the marshals of Napoleon.

166

Charles Alexandre Le Sueur, French naturalist. 1778-1846.

167

Pierre Joseph Redouté, French painter of flowers. 1759-1840.

168

François Gérard, born at Rome 1770, died 1837; the best French portrait painter of his time, distinguished also for historical pictures.

169

Charles d'Orbigny, son of Audubon's early friend, M. le docteur d'Orbigny.

170

Count Joseph Jérôme Siméon, French Minister of State. 1781-1846.

171

The words of the secretary were fully verified within a few months.

172

These terms were not, however, held to by the owners of the vessel, and the provisioning was left also to them, the whole outlay being about $1500 for the entire trip.

173

Now commonly spelled Canso – not Canseau.

174

Plectrophenax nivalis, the Snow Bunting. – E. C.

175

Canachites canadensis, the Canada Grouse. – E. C.

176

Foolish Guillemot.

177

Black Guillemot.

178

Great Blue Heron.

179

Razor-billed Auk.

180

Spotted Sandpiper, now Actitis macularia. – E. C.

181

Dusky Duck.

182

Scoter Duck.

183

The Least or Wilson's Sandpiper, Tringa (Actodromas) minutilla. – E. C.

184

A mistake, which Audubon later corrected. The Herring Gull is of course quite distinct from the Black-backed. The former is of the variety called by me Larus argentatus smithsonianus, as it differs in some respects from the common Herring Gull of Europe. – E. C.