AUDUBON'S ÆNEID, 1819-1824: WANDERINGS THROUGH THE
WEST AND SOUTH
Pivotal period in Audubon's career—His spur and
balance wheel—Resort to portraiture—Taxidermist in the
Western Museum—Settles in Cincinnati—History of his
relations with Dr. Drake—Decides to make his avocation
his business—Journey down the Ohio and Mississippi
with Mason and Cummings—Experiences of travel without
a cent of capital—Life in New Orleans—Vanderlyn's
recommendation—Original drawings—Chance meeting with Mrs.
Pirrie and engagement as tutor at "Oakley"—Enchantments
of West Feliciana—"My lovely Miss Pirrie"—The jealous
doctor—Famous drawing of the rattlesnake—Leaves
St. Francisville and is adrift again in New
Orleans—Obtains pupils in drawing and is joined by his
family—Impoverished, moves to Natchez, and Mrs. Audubon
becomes a governess—Injuries to his drawings—The labors
of years destroyed by rats—Teaching in Tennessee—Parting
with Mason—First lessons in oils—Mrs. Audubon's school at
"Beechwoods"—Painting tour fails—Stricken at Natchez—At
the Percys' plantation—Walk to Louisville—Settles at
Shippingport 301