LIFE OF WILSON. xliii 



encouraging encomiums I am indebted for tbese few specimens, and for all that 

 will follow. They may yet tell pouter ily that 1 was hmiured with your friend- 

 ship, and that to your inspiration they owe their existence." 



The plates illustrative of the natural history of PMwards were etched by the 

 author himself. Wilson had examined them very attentively, and felt assured 

 that, with a little instruction in the art of etching, he could produce more 

 accurate delineations; and would be enabled, by his superior knowledge of 

 coloring, to finish the figures for his contemplated work, in a style not inferior 

 to his spirited and beautiful drawings from nature. 



Mr. Lawson was of course consulted on this occasion, and cheerfully con- 

 tributed his advice and assistance in the novel and difficult enterprise. 

 Wilson procured the copper; and, the former having laid the varnish, and 

 furnished the necessary tools, he eagerly commenced tiie important operation, 

 on the successful termination of which his happiness seemed to depend. 



Let the reader pause and reflect on the extravagance of that enthusiasm, 

 which could lead a person to imagine, that, without any knowledge of an art 

 derived from experience, he could at once produce that effect, which is the 

 result only of years of trial and diligence. 



The next day after Wilson had parted from his preceptor, the latter, to use 

 his own words, was surprised to behold him bouncing into his room, crying 

 out — " / have fin ished my plate ! let us bite it in with the aquafortis at once, for 

 . I must have a proof before I leave town!"* Lawson burst into laughter at 

 the ludicrous appearance of bis friend, animated with impetuous zeal ; and to 

 humor him granted his request. A proof was taken, but fell far short of 

 Wilson's expectations, or of his ideas of correctness. However, he lost no 

 time in conferring with Mr. Bartram, to whom he wrote as follows : 



" November 29th, 180.5. 



" I have been amusing myself this some time in attempting to etch ; and 

 now send you a proof sheet of my first performance in this way. Be so good 

 as communicate to me your own corrections, and those of your young friend 

 and pupil. I will receive them as a very kind and particular favor. The 

 drawings which I also send, that you may compare them together, were done 

 from birds in full plumage, and in the best order. My next attempt in etching 

 will perhaps be better, everything being new to me in this. I will send you 

 the first impression I receive after I finish the plate." 



In a short time another plate was prepared and completed with the despatch 

 of the former. In fulfilment of his promise to his friend, he transmits a 

 proof, accompanied with the following note : 



* For the information of those of our readers who are unacquainted with the process 

 of etching, we subjoin the following explanatory note : — ■ 



Upon the polished copper plate, a coat of varnish, of a particular composition, is thinly 

 spread. The design is then traced, and cut through to the copper, with an instrument 

 termed a point. A bank of wax is now raised around the plate, and aquafortis poured 

 into the enclosure, which acid eats into the copper only where the point had passed. The 

 length of time requisite for the successful action of the aquafortis, must be determined by 

 the judgment of the operator. 



