230 



THOMA S BE WICK. 



we have engravings executed in a manner foreign to that by which Bewick 

 made his name, and which are somewhat feelingless in character and feeble 

 in workmanship. This sentiment of disappointment, nevertheless, has not 

 been endorsed by succeeding critics ; and though it is acknowledged that the 

 engravings are not all Bewick's, yet the 1 8 1 8 Fables are as eagerly sought 

 after as the Quadrupeds or Birds. The tail-pieces in one or two cases 

 are somewhat broad for a book devoted to leading " hundreds of young 

 men into the paths of wisdom and rectitude," and materially "assisting the 

 pulpit." The letterpress was either Bewick's own composition, or selected 

 and prepared by him. The royal 8vo edition may be known from the 

 demy 8vo (even if cut down) by the vignette on page xvi, which is an allego- 

 rical subject, the smaller paper copy having a demon there. A small number 

 were printed on imperial 8vo paper. The following letter, in the possession 

 of Prof. Corfield, who has kindly consented to its publication, gives additional 

 interest to Bewick's work. It is dated Newcastle, 24th August, 18 18, and is 

 addressed to " Messrs. Tipper and Fry," paper merchants : — 



" Gentlemen, — We want two quires of Imperial paper the same as this \ sheet, 

 to finish the Book of Fables & the Press now waits for it. Mr. Hollingworth 

 furnish'. 1 the paper & I think we paid you for it, and how he or you happens not to 

 know the kind we want, rather puzzels us. If Mr. H. could refer to his Books he 

 w*? see both the kind, quality,* and quantity he sent us — should it happen that you 

 cannot exactly match this — something near it, as you can, must be sent— for it is 

 very disagreable to stop the press to wait for it. We are well aware that this 

 business is both of triffling import and troublesome to you but at present we do not 

 need a grearter quantity. We were quite disappointed at the contents of your letter 

 reC? to day — instead of the two quires of paper, — We are Gentlemen Your most 

 obed 1 . 5 T. Bewick & Son. P.S. please to observe it is not plate paper we want but 

 letterpress paper." t 



The seventh edition of the Quadrupeds was published in 1820, in 



* Quality had been written in afterwards, so that " both " was at first correct. 



f The letter is written by Thomas Bewick, who signs for the firm. The mistakes in spelling and grammar 

 seem partly due to haste ; and probably the annoyance of receiving a letter, instead of the paper for printing, also 

 made Bewick less than ordinarily careful. 



