340 Biographical Sketch of  [May, 
appearance of his friend, animated with impetuous zeal; and to 
humour him granted his request. The proof was taken, but fell 
far short of Mr. Wilson’s expectations, or of his ideas of correct- 
ness. However, he lost no time in conferring with Mr. Bartram, 
to whom he wrote as follows :— 
“« Nov. 29, 1805. 
« I have been amusing myself this some time in attempting to 
eich; 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 favour. 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, every thing being newto me in this. I will send 
you the first impression I receive after I finish the plate.” 
In ashort 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 : 
«© Mr. Wilson’s affectionate compliments to Mr. Bartram, and 
sends for his amusement and correction another proof of his birds 
of the United States. The colouring being chiefly done last night, 
must soften criticism a little. Will be thankful for my friend’s 
advice and correction. 
“© Mr, Wilson wishes his beloved friend a happy new year, and 
every blessing. 
“ Saturday, Jan. 4, 1806.” 
These essays in etching, though honourable to Mr. Wilson’s 
ingenuity and perseverance, yet by no means afforded satisfaction. 
He became now convinced that the point alone was not suflicient to 
produce the intended effect, and that nothing short of the accuracy 
of the graver would in anywise correspond to his ideas of excel- 
lence. But in the delightful art of engraving he had never been 
instructed ; and he could not command means sufficient to cover 
the expense of the plates even of a single volume, on the magni- 
ficent plan which his comprehensive mind had delineated. A pro- 
position was now made to Mr, Lawson to engage in the work on a 
joint concern. But there were several reasons which this Gentle- 
man adduced, sufficiently weighty, in his opinion, to warrant his 
non-acceptance of the offer. Mr. Wilson finding his schemes thus 
baffled, declared, with solemn emphasis, his resolution of proceed- 
On 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 eats into the copper only where the 
point has passed. ‘Thelength of time requisite for the successful action of the 
aquafortis must be determined by the judgment of the eperator, 
