WILLIAM BARTRAM (1739-1823)

William Bartram was an accomplished naturalist and talented artist. He traveled widely, particularly in the southeastern United States. Florida was a land that held particular enchantment for him and he spent a considerable time there between the years 1765 and 1777. Travels, however, is an account of his second trip to the southeast, made during the years 1773-77.

Bartram accurately recorded the activities of Indians, described the flora and fauna in their natural habitats and gathered plant specimens to send to colleagues in Europe. He listed 215 species of birds, with notes on their migratory and breeding habits, the most complete list of its kind to be done. Travels is a moving and wonderful narrative. It was an immediate success and had a much wider audience in England and America than was to be anticipated.