November 3, Friday. My birds were visited by many persons this day, among whom were some ladies, artists, of both ability and taste, and with the numerous gentlemen came Professor James Wilson,[1] a naturalist, an agreeable man, who invited me to dine at his cottage next week. Mr. Lizars, who is certainly mon bon cheval de bataille, is exerting himself greatly in my behalf. At half-past three good Mr. Neill came, and together we walked towards his little hermitage, a sweet spot, quite out of town; nice garden, hot-house filled with exotics, and house-walls peopled by thousands of sparrows secure in the luxuriant masses of ivy that only here and there suffer the eye to see that the habitat is of stone. The Heron's sharp lance lay on his downy breast while he balanced on one leg, silent and motionless; the Kittiwake Gull screamed for food; the Cormorant greedily swallowed it; whilst the waddling Gannet welcomed her master by biting his foot, the little Bantams and the great rooster leaped for the bread held out, the faithful Pigeon cooed to his timid mate, and the huge watch-dog rubbed against the owner's legs with joy. We entered the house, other guests were there, and full of gayety we sat down to a sumptuous dinner. Eyes sparkled with wit, sense, knowledge. Mr. Combe[2] who was present has a head quite like our Henry Clay. My neighbor, Mr. Bridges,[3] is all life; but after a few observations concerning the birds of our woods he retired to let the world know that many of them are arrived in Scotland. It is unanimously agreed that I must sit for my portrait to Mr. Syme,[4] and that friend Lizars must engrave it to be distributed abroad. On my return to my lodgings I was presented with some
- ↑ James Wilson, brother of Professor John Wilson (Christopher North), naturalist and scientific writer, 1795-1856.
- ↑ George Combe, an eminent phrenologist and author on that subject. Born and died in Edinburgh, 1788-1856.
- ↑ David Bridges, editor of one of the Edinburgh newspapers.
- ↑ John Syme. His portrait of Audubon was the first one ever engraved.
