1 X LIFE OF WILSON. 



ceive them as a very kind and particular favour. The draw- 

 ings 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 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 fol- 

 lowing 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, January 4th, 1806. 



These essays in etching,* though creditable to Wilson's in- 

 genuity and perseverance, yet by no means afforded satisfac- 

 tion. He became now convinced that the point alone was not 

 sufficient to produce the intended effect; and that nothing short 

 of the accuracy of the graver would in any wise correspond to 

 his ideas of excellence. But in the art of engraving he had ne- 

 ver been instructed; and he could not command means suffi- 

 cient to cover the expense of the plates even of a single volume, 

 on the magnificent plan which his comprehensive mind had 

 delineated. A proposition was now made to Mr. Lawson to 

 engage in the work, on a joint concern. But there were se- 

 veral objections which this gentleman urged, sufficiently 

 weighty, in his opinion, to warrant his non-acceptance of the 

 offer. Wilson, finding his schemes thus baffled, declared, with 



* The two first plates of the Ornithology are those which the author etch- 

 ed himself. The writer of this sketch has in his possession a proof of the 

 first one, which he preserves as a relic of no small value. It is inscribed 

 with the author's name. 



