LIFE OF WILSON. Hx 
finish the figures for his contemplated work, in a style not in* 
ferior to his spirited and beautiful drawings from nature. 
Mr. Lawson was of course consulted on this occasion, and 
cheerfully contributed his advice and assistance in the novel and 
difficult enterprise, Wilson procured the copper; and, the for- 
mer having laid the varnish, and furnished the necessary tools, 
he eagerly commenced the important operation, on the success- 
ful termination of which his happiness seemed to depend. 
Let the reader pause and reflect on the extravagance of that 
enthusiasm, which could lead a person to imagine, that, with- 
out any knowledge of an art derived from experience, he could 
at once produce that effect, which is the result only of years of 
trial and diligence. 
The next day after Wilson had parted from his preceptor, the 
latter, to use his own words, was surprised to behold him bounc- 
ing into his room, crying out — I have finished my plate! let 
us bite it in with the aquafortis at once, for I must have a 
proof before I leave town!* Lawson burst into laughter at the 
ludicrous appearance of his friend animated with impetuous 
zeal; and to humour 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: 
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 re- 
* For the information of those of our readei’s, who ai’e unacquainted with 
the process of etching, we subjoin the following explanatory note: — 
Upon the polished copper-plate, a coat of varnish, of a particular compo- 
sition, 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 tlie plate, and aquafortis poui'ed into the enclosure, which acid eats 
into the copper only where the point had past. The length of time requi- 
site for the successful action of tlie aquafortis, must be determined by the 
judgment of the operator. 
