LIFE OF WILSON. li x 



finish the figures for his contemplated work, in a style not in- 

 ferior to his spirited and beautiful drawings from nature. 



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

 cheerfully contributed his advice and assistance in the novel and 

 difficult enterprise. Wilson procured the copper; and, the for- 

 mer having laid the varnish, and furnished the necessary tools, 

 he eagerly commenced the important operation, on the success- 

 ful 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, with- 

 out 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 bounc- 

 ing into his room, crying out " / have finished 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 his friend animated with impetuous 

 zeal; and to humour 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: 



66 Nov. 29, 1805. 



" 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 cor- 

 rections, and those of your young friend and pupil. I will re- 



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

 the process of etching 1 , we subjoin the following explanatory note: 



Upon the polished copper-plate, a coat of varnish, of a particular compo- 

 sition, 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 past. The length of time requi- 

 site for the successful action of the aquafortis, must be determined by the 

 judgment of the operator. 



