xliv LIFE OF 



calculations of Mr Lawson, still forbade the scheme. On the 2d 

 July of this year, he again writes to Mr Bartram : " I dare say you 

 will smile at my presumption, when I tell you that I have seriously 

 begun to make a collection of drawings of the birds to be found in 

 Pennyslvania, or that occasionally pass through it. Twenty-eight, 

 as a beginning, I send for your opinion. They are, I hope, in- 

 ferior to what I shall produce, though as close copies of the original 

 as I could make. One or two of these I cannot find either in your 

 Nomenclature, or in the seven volumes of Edwards. Any hint for 

 promoting my plan, or enabling me to execute better, I will receive 

 from you with much pleasure. Criticise these, my dear friend, 

 without fear of offending me. This will instruct, but not discourage 

 me. To your advice and encouraging encomiums I am indebted for 

 these few specimens, and for all that will follow. They may yet 

 tell posterity that I was honoured with your friendship, and that to 

 your inspiration they owe their existence." In his examination of 

 Edwards, Wilson perceived that that naturalist had etched his own 

 plates. It appeared to him, that what one man had done, another 

 might do ; and he determined at least to try. Mr Lawson, of 

 course, was applied to, and cheerfully supplied him with the copper 

 and necessary tools. The sequel of this story is thus detailed by 

 his American biographer : — The day after Wilson had parted from 

 his preceptor, he was surprised to see him bouncing into his room, 

 crying out, " I have finished my plate ! let us bite it in with aqua 

 fortis at once, for I must have a proof before I leave town." Lawson 

 burst into laughter at the ludicrous appearance of his friend, ani- 

 mated with impetuous zeal ; and, to humour him, granted his 

 request. A proof was taken, but fell far short of Wilson's expecta- 

 tions, or his ideas of correctness. However, he lost no time in 

 conferring with Mr Bartram, to whom he wrote as follows : 



" I have been amusing myself this some time in attempting to 

 etch, and now send you a proof sheet of my first performance in 

 this way. Be so kind as communicate to me your own corrections, 

 and those of your young friend and pupil. I will receive them as 

 a very kind and particular favour. My next attempt will perhaps 

 be better, everything being new to me in this. I will send the first 

 impression I receive after I finish the plate." 



With the proof of his second plate he again writes — "Mr Wilson's 



