its exultant spirit? We have seen it on a Sabbath sunny
morning mounted upon a bud-crowded limb of the Cherokee rose, giving out
its song as if its heart and body would separate in its enthusiasm; and
when you thought it had soared to its highest note, it would begin
again, and pour forth a torrent of love, gratitude, praise, and prayer,
commingled in such varied and soul-thrilling ecstasy that the little
creature trembled and vibrated as if it were the chosen and valiant
exponent of some rapturous and mighty soul. Such are birds, the
intelligent and ornamental companions of man, the most prominent image
among the associations and pleasing recollections of childhood, and one
of the most admirable and wonderful beauties presented to his maturest
mind.

Scientifically speaking, it would seem that the birds, by their
familiarity, were prophets in their own country, and therefore very much
without honor. The poet mentioned them in his sonnets, and everybody
loved them; the gallant cock and the fierce eagle were honored as the
insignia of mighty nations; but the few who examined their history and
wrote of their habits were more readily satisfied with imperfect
illustrations and meagre descriptions than were those who devoted their
energies to exhibit the habits of animals, vipers, or fishes. It may be
stated as a remarkable fact that, until recently, the ornithologist was
incomparably behind his compeers in science in illustrating his
department, choicest of all though it be in the varied phase of animated
nature.

To Audubon is the world indebted, not only for the most magnificent work
on ornithology ever produced, but also for one of the most magnificent
monuments ever raised by industry and genius. Take his book, examine his
drawings, read his descriptions, ponder upon his reminiscences, and then
turn to the most eminent of those who have preceded him, and all
instantly become tame and commonplace. It is like going from the
primitive forests into the stove-heated library; it is like exchanging
the moving, living, teeming bird, fluttering and flying in its native
haunts, for the imperfectly preserved specimens of the museum; all is
motionless, eyeless--dead.

Of the mind that has accomplished so much it is difficult to speak in
exaggerated praise. It may be safely asserted that Audubon had one of
the most enduring that has left any impress upon the present century. He
is always clear and complete in everything he undert