were then in perfection. This specific was proba-
bly more effectual in restoring him to health, than
the eggs, which were his own prescription. One
circumstance deserves to be remembered ; thir-
teen miles from Nashville in Tennessee he passed
the night at the house of Isaac Walton, a histori-
cal name, which has long been associated with
simplicity and kindness of feeling. This land-
lord was worthy of his name ; for, when Wilson
was leaving him after breakfast, he said to him,
" You seem to be travelling for the good of the
world ; and I cannot, I will not charge you any
thing. Whenever you come this way, call and
stay with me, and you shall be welcome."

The western region of this country is the native
soil of hospitality. While Wilson was in Natch-
ez, he received a letter from Mr. William Dun-
bar, who regretted that he could not wait upon
him, being confined by sickness ; but invited him
to come to his house, and make it his home, so
long as he was in that region. The invitation
was accepted, and an apartment assigned to the
stranger. The house was in the depth of the
forest, and afforded Wilson the very position he
would have chosen for pursuing his researches,
beside giving him the advantage of refined conver-
sation and elegant hospitality. The time passed
at this gentleman's house was one of the sunny
moments in Wilson's life, which he remembered



ALEXANDER WILSON. 161

with the more delight, because they were so
few.
