A vignette from " The Chase," by W. Somervile. 



CHAPTER XVI. 



JOHN BEWICK. 



HIS chapter is devoted entirely to an enumeration of the principal 



engraved works of Thomas Bewick's brother John. These works are 

 not, like those of the more famous elder brother, of great originality, and it 

 is certainly a moot-point, had Thomas not urged his pupil-brother on, if 

 John Bewick would ever have attained to the position he did. There can be 

 no question, at the same time, that his engravings show much power and 

 ingenuity. Though not so varied in execution as the works of the better- 

 known artist, they possess a charm which is quite distinct from any design 

 in the Quadrupeds or Birds. It is not probable that John Bewick had 

 strength of character and indomitable spirit enough to have carried forward 

 the art of wood engraving in the marvellous manner sustained by his brother. 

 He had neither the requisite patience nor insight into the beauties of nature 

 to produce such exquisite details on the blocks as is discovered on every page 



