LIFE OF WILSON. 
xliii 
encouraging eueoiniums I am indebted for these few specimens, and for all that 
will follow. Tlicy maij yet tdl posterity tliat I ivas honored ivith yoav frienJ- 
ship, and that to your inajjiration they owe their existenee." 
Tlie plates illustrative of the natural history of Edwards were etched by the 
author himself. Wilson had examined them very attentively, and felt assured 
that, with a little instruction in the art of etching, he could produce more 
accurate delineations ; and would be enabled, by his superior knowledge of 
coloring, to finish the figures for his contemplated work, in a style not inferior 
to his spirited and beautiful drawings from nature. 
Mr. Lawson was of course consulted on this occasion, and cheerfully con- 
tributed his advice and assistance in the novel and difficult enterprise. 
Wilson procured the copper; and, the former having laid the varnish, and 
furnislied the necessary tools, he eagerly couimeuced the ini})ortant oper;itiou, 
on the successful termination of which his happiness seemed to depend. 
Let the reader pause and reflect on the extravagance of tliat enthusiasm, 
■whicli could lead a person to imagine, that, without any knuwledge of an art 
derived from experience, he could at once produce that eflect, which is the 
result only of years of trial and diligence. 
The next day after Wilson liad parted from his preceptor, the latter, to use 
his own words, was surprised to behold him hounclmj into liis room, crying 
out — " I h(xve finished' my jAute ! let us bite it in with the fiqun/nrtis at once, /or 
I must Jiave a j^roof before T leave town!"* Lawson burst into laughter at 
the ludicrous appearance of his friend, animated with impetuous zeal ; and to 
humor him granted his request. A proof was taken, but fell far short of 
Wilson's expectations, or of his ideas of correctness. However, he lost no 
time in conferring with Mr. Bartram, to whom he wrote as follows : 
" November 29th, 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 comiuunicate to me your own corrections, and those of your young friend 
and pupil. I will receive them as a very kind and particular favor. Tlie 
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 mo 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 tlie despatch 
of the former. In fulfilment of his promise to his friend, he transmits a 
proof, accompanied with the following note : 
* For the information of those of our readers who are unacquainted with the process 
of etching, we subjoin the following explanatory note : — 
Upon 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 bank of wax is now raised around the plate, and aquafortis poured 
into the enclosure, which acid eats into the copper only where the point had passed. The 
length of time requisite for the successful action of the aquafortis, must be determined by 
the judgment of the operator. * 
