During all these years there existed within me a tendency to follow Nature in her walks.

On the 17th of May, the Delos put out to sea. I was immediately affected with sea-sickness, which, however, lasted but a short time. I remained on deck constantly, forcing myself to exercise.

I wish I had eight pairs of hands, and another body to shoot the specimens.

To have been torn from the study would have been as death; my time was entirely occupied with art.

I can scarcely manage to scribble a tolerable English letter. I know that I am not a scholar, but meantime I am aware that no man living knows better than I do the habits of our birds.

Never give up listening to the sounds of birds.

During all these years there existed within me a tendency to follow Nature in her walks.