My mother had several beautiful parrots and some monkeys; one of the latter was a full-grown male of a very large species.

Because my father was often absent on naval duty, my mother suffered me to do much as I pleased.

On landing at New York I caught the yellow fever. The kind man who commanded the ship that brought me from France took charge of me and placed me under the care of two Quaker ladies. To their skillful and untiring care I may safely say I owe my life.

The Fur Company may be called the exterminating medium of these wild and almost uninhabitable regions, which cupidity or the love of money alone would induce man to venture into. Where can I now go and find nature undisturbed?

I never for a day gave up listening to the songs of our birds, or watching their peculiar habits, or delineating them in the best way I could.

I feel I am strange to all but the birds of America.