248 MEMOIR OF THOMAS BEWICK. 



instrument which he invented for the purpose of 

 either reducing or enlarging any drawing or design 

 most accurately to any size that might be required. 

 We also visited Patrick Neil, Esq., along with 

 the Misses Jameson, and were much pleased with 

 seeing the tamed birds and other curiosities which 

 embellished his little paradise. His uncommon 

 kindness will ever remain impressed upon our 

 memories. We also often called upon my friend, 

 Mr. Archibald Constable, accounted the first book- 

 seller in Scotland ; and, although he was unwell 

 at the time, partook of his kind attentions. Mr. 

 Robert Miller, bookseller, also did everything in 

 his power which affability and kindness could 

 dictate to make us altogether pleased w r ith Edin- 

 burgh. Our friend, Mr. William Reid, bookseller, 

 Leith, did the same, only with this difference, that 

 his attentions were unceasing, and Mrs. Reid's and 

 his hospitality made their house a kind of home to 

 us. Almost constantly accompanied by Mr. Reid 

 as our guide, we visited every place, and he besides 

 introduced us to such artists as I did not know. 

 In this way he took us to Mr. William Allan, the 

 historical painter, to the rooms of the splendid 

 exhibition of the paintings of the late Sir Henry 

 Raeburn, Bart., to Mr. Stewart, the engraver, to 

 Mr. [James] Howe, the portrait and animal painter, 

 and to the painting room of others, who were 

 absent. To some other artists who were known to 

 me I spent some time in several calls. These 

 consisted of my old friend Mr. Nasmyth, the 

 excellent landscape painter ; my townsmen, Mr. 

 William Nicholson, and' Mr. Ewbank, both of 

 whom were eminent painters ; and Mr. Thomas 

 Coulson, distinguished in his line as an ornamental 



