LIFE OF WILSON. 



xxLx 



The next day after Mr. Wilson had parted from his precep- 

 tor, the latter, to use his own words, was surprised to behold him 

 bouncing into his room, crying out — I have finished my plate! let 

 us bite it in ivith the aquafortis at once j for I must have a proof before 

 Heave totvn!^^^ Lawson burst into laughter at the ludicrous ap- 

 pearance of his friend, animated with impetuous zeal; and to 

 humor him granted his request. The proof was taken, but fell 

 far short of Mr. Wilson^s expectations, or of his ideas of correct- 

 ness. However, he lost no time in conferring with Mr. Bartram, 

 to whom he wrote as follows : 



" JVov. 29, 1805. 



" I have been amusing myself this some time in attempting 

 to Etch ; and now send you a proof sheet of my first performance 

 in this way. Be so good as communicate to me your own cor- 

 rections, and those of your young friend and pupil. I will receive 

 them as a very kind and particular favor. The drawings which 

 I also send, that you may compare them together, were done from 

 birds in full plumage, and in the best order. My next attempt in 

 etching will perhaps be better, everything being new to me in this. 

 I will send you the first impression I receive after I finish the plate. 



In a short time another plate was prepared and completed 

 with the despatch of the former. In fulfilment of his promise to 

 his friend, he transmits a proof, accompanied with the following 

 note : 



" Mr. Wilson's affectionate compliments to Mr. Bartram ; 

 and sends for his amusement and correction, another proof of 



^ For tlie information of those of our readers ^vho are unacquainted with the process of etching, 

 we suhjoin the following explanatory note. 



On the polished copper-plate a coat of varnish, of a particular composition, is thinly spread. The 

 design is then traced, and cut through to the copper with an instrument termed a point. A hank of 

 wax is now raised around the plate, and aquafortis poured into the enclosure, Avhich eats into the cop- 

 per only where the point has passed. The length of time requisite for the successful action of the 

 aquafortis, must he determined by the judgment of the operator. 



VOL. IX. H 



