42 MEMOIR OF THOMAS BEWICK. 



Ornithological Biography, p. 300, an account of his 

 interviews with Mr Bewick, during his residence in 

 Newcastle, forms one of those delightful " Episodes" 

 with which he contrives to enliven his accounts of 

 birds. We have taken the liberty of quoting it. 



" Through the kindness of Mr Selby of Twizel- 

 House in Northumberland, I had anticipated the 

 pleasure of forming an acquaintance with the cele- 

 brated and estimable Bewick, whose works indicate 

 an era in the history of the art of engraving on wood. 

 In my progress southward, after leaving Edinburgh 

 in 1827, I reached Newcastle-upon-Tyne about the 

 middle of April, when Nature had begun to decorate 

 anew the rich country around. The lark was in full 

 song, the blackbird rioted in the exuberance of joy, 

 the husbandman cheerily plied his healthful labours, 

 and I, although a stranger in a foreign land, felt de- 

 lighted with all around me, for I had formed friends 

 who were courteous and kind, and whose favour I 

 had reason to hope would continue. Nor have I 

 been disappointed in my expectations. 



" Bewick must have heard of my arrival at New- 

 castle before I had an opportunity of calling upon 

 Ym, for he sent me by his son the following note : 

 1 T. Bewick's compliments to Mr Audubon, and will 



