9 2 



THOMAS BEWICK. 



prefer employing a professional draughtsman to taking up the pencil 

 themselves. Modern engravers, it is true, do go through a careful training 

 in drawing ; but there is no doubt that they are looking to mechanical 

 methods of working more and more every day, and it is to be feared 

 this will greatly deteriorate the quality of all kinds of wood engraving. 

 At the present time the fashion is to have cuts made as minute and fine 

 in their lines as it is possible to have them ; but this is merely a passing 

 style, partly in imitation of photography, and not one likely to be much 

 longer preferred by the public. It is to be hoped that the increased 

 attention paid to Bewick's thoroughly sound and true method of wood 

 engraving will bring about a return to more healthy productions in the art 

 he did so much to improve. 



Christian at the Wicket Gate. Bunyan's " Pilgrim's Progress," 1806. 

 From the original block. Lent by the Rev. Mr. Buckley. 



