in the transfer, Williamson decided to have the illustrations for 

 his "Fern Etchings" printed direct from his plates, and in the 

 second edition, he having meanwhile acquired sufficient knowl- 

 edge to enable him to do the work, they were printed by his own 

 hands. A marked improvement in the character of the illustra- 

 tions was at once apparent, and "Fern Etchings" became the 

 finest interpretation of fern life extant. 



M. P. Whipple, who was recognized as one of the best art 

 critics of his time, told the writer that in all that constituted the 

 true test of etching, fidelity to texture and lifelike expression, they 

 were the finest work of the kind he had ever seen. Hamerton, 

 himself a master of etching, wrote to Williamson a highly com- 

 plimentary and appreciative letter, which the latter always prized 

 as one of his greatest treasures. Dr. Gray and Prof. Eaton both 

 recognized in the work of the new comer the expression of a true 

 soul, and both extended to him a most cordial greeting that up- 

 lifted his aspirations into an atmosphere of desire for the accom- 

 plishment of still better work. 



The first edition of " Fern Etchings" was issued at Louisville 

 in 1879, the number of copies being limited on account of the ex- 

 pense. The edition was quickly exhausted, and a second one soon 

 followed. During the interval between the two editions he had 

 been able to add Adia7itum capillus veneris to his list of illustra- 

 tions, and he used it for a frontispiece.* Encouraged by the 

 unexpected favor with which his work was being received, Wil- 

 liamson's active mind began to consider other forms of expres- 

 sion for his remarkable genius, and being by this time well versed 

 in the working of metals, began experimenting with etching on 

 brass, with the most astonishing results. Wild flowers and ferns 

 were the source from which he derived material for his exquisite 

 designs, and his etchings on brass panels are the daintiest things 

 imaginable. Fortunate indeed are those who now own the few 

 plaques which emanated from his hand, for they may well be 

 regarded as great treasures. He caught, as by some divine gift 

 or inspiration, the innermost life and feelings of the wild flowers 

 and ferns, and his marvel ously accurate needle transfixed them 

 with revivifying power on paper, or metal. 



♦In the Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club for September, 1883, may 

 be found a glowing account of his visit to the newly discovered haunt of 

 this fern, where he found it growing in the greatest profusion. 



