12 INTRODUCTION. 



more than a history of efforts and plans, but of both, I be 

 lieve, made in right methods. 



One part of the book, however, will, I think, be found of 

 permanent value. Mr. Burgess has engraved on wood, in re- 

 duced size, with consummate skill, some of the excellent old 

 drawings in the Flora Danica, and has interpreted, and fao 

 simile'd, some of his own and my drawings from nature, with 

 a vigour and precision unsurpassed in woodcut illustration, 

 which render these outlines the best exercises in black and 

 white I have yet been able to prepare for my drawing pupils. 

 The larger engravings by Mr. Allen may also be used with ad- 

 vantage as copies for drawings with pen or sepia. 



ROME, 10th May (my father's birthday). 



I found the loveliest blue asphodel I ever saw in my life, 

 yesterday, in the fields beyond Monte Mario, a spire two 

 feet high, of more than two hundred stars, the stalks of them 

 all deep blue, as well as the flowers. Heaven send all honest 

 people the gathering of the like, in Elysiau fields, some day ! 



