68 FRANCIS ORPEN MORRIS 



took his own line in almost everything he did. 

 He first made himself a name by bringing out 

 illustrated books for children, as well as a new 

 kind of copy-book with pictorial covers, the designs 

 and illustrations being all engraved by himself. 

 These were published at extremely low prices, and 

 had a large sale. 



It was about the year 1848 or 1849 that Mr. 

 Morris first had business transactions with Mr. 

 Fawcett. This was in connection with a small 

 work, brought out in parts, entitled " A Bible Natural 

 History ; " the illustrations were by Mr. Fawcett, 

 and it seems to have been a success, though the 

 sale was not a very extensive one. 



It will probably never be known for certain 

 whether the idea of publishing the "History of 

 British Birds" originated with Mr. Fawcett or its 

 author ; it is, however, beyond doubt that the 

 matter was very fully discussed between the two, 

 and the venture ultimately was made. It was 

 arranged that the work should be brought out in 

 monthly parts, four species of birds being described 

 in each part. Mr. Morris was to be responsible 

 for the whole of the letterpress, while Mr. Fawcett 

 undertook the artistic and other work connected 

 with the production of the book. After long debate 

 it was settled that the price of each part should 

 be fixed at one shilling. This important decision 

 proved to be a wise one. To that determination 

 may be attributed in great measure the future suc- 

 cess of the undertaking. The lowness of the price 



