Victor Gifford Audubon, who had preceded his father to America early in 1839, was married in that year to Mary Eliza, second daughter of John and Harriet Bachman. This double union of the two naturalists' families called forth mutual congratulations, but Bachman, who was inconsolable at the departure of his children, preferred to talk of birds: "By that time," said he, "four or five numbers [of the 'Small Edition of the Birds'] are published, you may turn over the work to your sons; but, till then, you should carefully review every page and plate. The next thing will be to get subscribers. This would be purgatory to me; but it is necessary to success. While drumming up subscribers, you may obtain specimens for the Quadrupeds." When writing again January 13, 1840, Bachman, whose cooperation in the proposed work had been sought, continued: The descriptions in the "Small Edition of Birds" will have to be abridged—your "_worthy friend_" and other humbugs may be left out to advantage. I am not at all surprised at your success at getting subscribers; but let me say, _cities_ are not the only places to obtain them. Birds sing and nestle among the groves of the _country_—The planters and farmers are the men to become subscribers. An intelligent planter from the up country said, a few days ago, that if the right person would thoroughly canvass the whole State of South Carolina, he would insure three hundred subscribers to the "Small Work." _Old Jostle_ would be the man, and when his legs failed, the _Young Jostle_ should go forward. Get the Editors to notice your work—this is a puffing world—from the porpoise to the steamboat. When we meet, we shall talk about the partnership in the quadrupeds. I am willing to have my name stand with yours, if it will help the sale of the book. The expenses and the profits shall be yours or the boys'. I am anxious to do something for the benefit of Victor and John, in addition to the _treasures_ I have given them—and this is all I can do.... Employ yourself now in drawing every quadruped you can lay your hands upon. If you can find me a live Ermine, buy it in New York. I must once more examine and study its change of _pilage_. Don't flatter yourself that the quadrupeds will be child's play. I have studied them all my life. We have much, both in Europe and America, to learn on this subject. The skulls and the teeth must be studied, and color is as variable as the wind; down, down in the earth they grovel, while we, in digging and studying, may grow old and cross. Our work must be thorough. I would as soon stick my name to a _forged Bank Note_ as to a mess of _soupmaigre_. [Illustration: VICTOR GIFFORD AUDUBON Published by courtesy of Charles Scribner's Sons.] [Illustration: JOHN WOODHOUSE AUDUBON