Bella and the Poor Stranger, Marian. " The Looking Glass for the Mind." From the original block 

 engraved by John Bewick. Lent by Messrs. Griffith and Farran. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 



HINTS TO BEWICK COLLECTORS BEWICK BOOKS SINCE 1 828. 



A S in the case of many works of genius, especially in the world of art, 

 * it is difficult for many people at the first to appreciate the worth of 

 Bewick's engravings. Some are disappointed that they are not more 

 " important," both in size and subject ; others think they are not so good as 

 much work that is commonly performed for our modern illustrated papers ; 

 while others prefer etchings, or engravings, or any other of the methods 

 invented to reproduce works of art. It is only after some acquaintance with 

 the wealth of Bewick's invention, the accuracy of his delineations, the beauty 

 of his compositions, and the other innumerable attractions of his works, that 

 the strength of his power is understood. When this acquaintance has been 

 prolonged — and to do so is worth some trouble, when the repayment is so 

 rich — then his master-hand cannot fail to be recognised, his talent appre- 

 ciated, his humour understood, and his genius applauded ; while the intelligent 

 observer forthwith becomes a " Bewick Collector." Some collectors may 

 delight in objects containing more superficial picturesqueness, and others 



