AIT'DITBON, JAMES, a distinguished American ornithologist, wash. in Louisiana, United States, in May, 1780, where his parents. who were both French, had settled on a plantation. Ills father, who was himself an ardent lover of nature, early directed Ins son's attention to natural objects. The youth conceived a passion for the study of birds; and a book of ornithological specimens determined Lim to become a draughts man. About the age of 14, he went to Paris, and stt.died for some time under the celebrated David. In 1798, he was settled on a farm it. Fetnsylvania by his father, but he did not distinguish himself as an agriculturist. Iv 1810 he sailed down the Ohio with his wife and child, on a bird-sketching' expeditiou. The following year. lie visited Florida for a like purpose; and for many years aster he continued his ornithologiear. researches among the American woods; to the neglect of his ordinary business. The latter he finally abandoned; and in 1824 he went, to Philadelphia, where he was intro duced to prince Charles Lucien Bonaparte, who so warmly encouraged him in bas plans that he determined on publication. After two years' further exploration of the forests
of his native country, he came to Europe vin the view to secure subscribers for his work on The Birds of America. He met vitu a warm reception from such men as Herschel, Cuyier, Humboldt, Brewster, Wilson, and S:r Walter Scott. The issue of Its work was commenced shortly after, each bird being delineated life-size. The colore6 engravings were chiefly executed by tin, late Mr. W. H. Lizars of Edinburgh. The work was completed in 87 parts, elephant co:io, containing 948 plates. While the work was in process of publication in this country (it was finished in 1839), A. revisited America three times, in order to make further researches. In 1831, lie began the publication of his American Ornithological Biography in Edinburgh. which was also completed in 1839. In 1839, A. finally returned to America, where, in 1844, he publishes. a reduced edition of his works.. Assisted by Dr. Buchanan, he also published '1 lie Quadrupeds of America, and a Biography of American Quadrupeds. He d. Jan. 27, 1851, in his 71st year.