Section 172. AUDUBON[1], THE AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGIST, RELATES HOW NEARLY[2] A THOUSAND OF HIS ORIGINAL DRAWINGS WERE DESTROYED.
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Section 172. AUDUBON[1], THE AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGIST, RELATES HOW NEARLY[2] A THOUSAND OF HIS ORIGINAL DRAWINGS WERE DESTROYED.
I left the village of Henderson, in Kentucky, situated[3] on the banks of the Ohio, where I[4] resided for several years, to proceed[5] to Philadelphia on business. I (S. 115, N. 1) looked[6] to my drawings before my departure, placed them carefully in a wooden box, and gave[7] them in charge of a relative, with[8] injunctions to see that no injury should happen to them. My absence was of (= lasted) several months; and when I returned, after[9] having enjoyed the pleasures of home for a few days, I inquired[10] after my box, and[11] what I was pleased to call my treasure. The box was produced[12] and opened; but[13], reader, feel for me—a pair of Norway rats had taken possession of the whole, and reared a young family among the gnawed[14] bits of paper, which, but[15] a month previous, had represented nearly a thousand inhabitants of[16] the air! The burning heat which[17] instantly rushed through my brain was too great without[18] affecting my whole nervous system. I slept for (S. 166, N. 10) several nights, and the days passed like[19] days of oblivion—until[20] the animal powers being recalled into action, through the strength of my constitution, I[21] took up my gun, my note-book and my pencils, and went forth to the woods as gaily as if nothing had happened. I[22] felt pleased that I might now make better drawings than before; and, ere a period not exceeding three years had elapsed, my portfolio was again filled.—John Audubon.