et_ of the larger species, likewise in rum. The large animals in the
skins, after having taken accurate notes of measurements, the color of
the eyes, date of capture, locality, and also, whatever may relate to
their _habits_ and _habitats_! By the first of which, I more
particularly mean, their usual and unusual postures, gaits, &c., and
whether they climb trees, or are altogether terrestrial. My desire to
have the animals in the flesh, is in connection with my wish to give
their anatomy, or as much of it as may be thought useful or necessary to
the student of nature, and by which the species may be better hereafter
known than heretofore."

_28th_, Maj. Delafield writes respecting the contemplated work of
Audubon: "If in your power to aid him as proposed, you will contribute
to another magnificent American work on natural science, intended to be
on the same grand scale with his ornithology."

_July 7th_. Among the most noted aboriginal characters who have, in
bygone times, lived here, was Adario, a Wyandot, who flourished while
that tribe were in exile on this island. He appears to me, from the
descriptions given of him, to have had larger inductive powers than the
Indians generally though they were only employed on stratagems and in
negotiations, in which, curiously enough, he succeeded in making the
Iroquois vengeance fall on the French, his allies. To be wise with him
was more than to be just. Look at Colden. The philosophy put into his
mouth by La Hontan, probably has some basis, in actual talk, with the
gay baron.

The following appear to be turning points in Iroquois history:--

Father de Moyn discovers the Onondaga country 1653
Erie war closes 1655
New Amsterdam surrenders to the Duke of York 1664
First treaty of the Iroquois with the French 1667
La Salle builds the first vessel on the lakes 1679
La Salle lays the foundation of Fort Niagara 1679
English revolution bringing in a new dynasty in William 1688
Capture and burning of Schenectady 1690

_27th_. I received notice of my election as an honorary member of the
Pennsylvania Historical Society.

_Aug. 1st_. During the number of years I have passed in the country of
the upper lakes, I have noticed the mocking bird, _T. polyglottis_, but
once or twice as far north as the Island of Michilimackinack.