MEMOIR OF THOMAS BEWICK. 259 



engraving on his large silver box. The device, 

 or design, I have now forgotten, but never what 

 he said on the occasion; and from that time I 

 attempted colour upon the wood ; and, though I felt 

 much difficulty in my attempts at producing it, yet 

 the principle is there, and will shine out under the 

 skill and management of any eminent engraver on 

 wood who is gifted with a painter's eye ; and his 

 work will be complete if seconded by a pressman 

 of ability, who may happen to have a talent and 

 fellow-feeling for the art. 



I have before noticed my lowering down the 

 surface of the wood, in order to produce the effect 

 of distance, and the same thing holds good with 

 every figure where different shades of colour are 

 desired. Leaving the surface of the block without 

 being pared down at all, and relying only on the 

 lines being left thicker or smaller for producing the 

 requisite depth of shade, this surface thus left acts 

 as a support to the more delicate lines, which have 

 been engraved on the lowered part of the cut. 

 After all the parts are thus lowered, a further 

 paring down of the edges of the various figures 

 which the cut contains may be necessary to prevent 

 their appearing as if surrounded by a white line. 

 The delicate lines thus lowered, so as to print pale 

 or distant parts, and thus protected by the stronger 

 lines left on the surface a wood cut, with care, 

 will print an incredible number : how many it may 

 be difficult exactly to say ; but it once happened 

 that I had the opportunity given me of guessing 

 pretty nearly at this, from the calculation of the 

 late Mr. S. Hodgson, when he called upon me 

 with a gentleman (a stranger to me), who seemed 

 extremely curious to know everything respecting 



