( 300 ) 



REMINISCENCES OF THOMAS BEWICK. 



Through the kindness of Mr Selby of Twizel-House in Northum- 

 berland, I had anticipated the pleasure of forming an acquaintance with 

 the celebrated and estimable Bewick, whose works indicate an era in the 

 history of the art of engraving on wood. In my progress southward, 

 after leaving Edinburgh in 1827, I reached Newcastle-upon-Tyne about 

 the middle of April, when Nature had begun to decorate anew the rich 

 country around. The lark was in full song, the blackbird rioted in the 

 exuberance of joy, the husbandman cheerily plied his healthful labours, 

 and I, although a stranger in a foreign land, felt delighted with all around 

 me, for I had formed friends who were courteous and kind, and whose 

 favour I had reason to hope would continue. Nor have I been disappoint- 

 ed in my expectations. 



Bewick must have heard of my arrival at Newcastle before I had an 

 opportunity of calling upon him, for he sent me by his son the following 

 note : — " T. Bewick's compliments to Mr Audubon, and will be glad of 

 the honour of his company this day to tea at six o'clock." These few 

 words at once proved to me the kindness of his nature, and, as my labours 

 were closed for the day, I accompanied the son to his father's house 



As yet I had seen but little of the town, and had never crossed the 

 Tyne. The first remarkable object that attracted my notice was a fine 

 church, which my companion informed me was that of St Nicholas. Pass- 

 ing over the river by a stone bridge of several arches, I saw by the wharfs 

 a considerable number of vessels, among which I distinguished some of 

 American construction. The shores on either side were pleasant, the 

 undulated ground being ornamented with buildings, windmills, and glass- 

 works. On the water glided, or were swept along by great oars, boats 

 of singular form, deeply laden with the subterranean produce of the hills 

 around. 



At length we reached the dwelling of the Engraver, and I was at once 

 shewn to his workshop. There I met the old man, who, coming towards 

 me, welcomed me with a hearty shake of the hand, and for a moment took 

 off a cotton night-cap, somewhat soiled by the smoke of the place. He 

 was a tall stout man, witli a lai'ge head, and with eyes placed farther apart 



