THE STRATFORD NATURALIST.
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He was, however, deeply interested in the sculpture and
paintings in the public buildings and in the relics exhibited in
the churches and religious houses.
During his stay in France he journeyed first to Chalons in
Champagne, in May, 1720 ; and on foot to Orleans and Blois, in
disguise with a view to escape the beggars who often assaulted
travellers. He did not know, however, that an edict had just
been issued for the arrest of vagrants, in order to transport them
to America, as the banks of the Mississippi wanted population,
and Mr. Edwards narrowly escaped a western voyage.
On his return to England he closely pursued his favourite
study, applying himself to drawing and colouring such subjects
of natural history as came under his notice.
He gave strict attention in the first instance to natural,
rather than picturesque beauty, devoting himself more par-
ticularly to the study of birds, and having purchased some of
the best pictures of these objects, he commenced to make a few
drawings of his own, which were admired by his supporters, who
encouraged the young naturalist to proceed, by paying a good
price for his early efforts.
Among his first patrons and benefactors may be mentioned
James Theobalds, Esq., F.R.S., a gentleman zealous for the
promotion of science. Our artist, thus unexpectedly encouraged,
increased in skill and assiduity, and procured, by his application
to his favourite pursuit, a decent subsistence and a large circle of
acquaintances.
In company with two of his relations in 1731 he made
an excursion to Holland and Brabant, where he collected
several scarce books and prints, and had an opportunity of
inspecting original pictures by several great masters at Antwerp,
Brussels, Utrecht, and other cities.
In December, 1733, upon the recommendation of Sir Hans
Sloane, Bart., President of the Royal College of Physicians,
Edwards was chosen Librarian of that Institution, and had
apartments allotted to him in the College. This office was
peculiarly agreeable to his taste and inclination. It afforded
constant access to a valuable library, filled with scarce and
curious books on the subjects of Natural History, which he so
diligently studied that by degrees he became one of the most
eminent Ornithologists of his period.