Ik 
LIFE OF WILSON. 
ceive them as a very kind and particular favour. The draw- 
ings 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, every thing 
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 fol- 
lowing note; 
“ Mr. Wilson’s affectionate compliments to Mr Bartram; and 
sends for his amusement and correction another proof of his 
Birds of the United States. The colouring being chiefly done 
last night, must soften criticism a little. Will be thankful for 
my friend’s advice and correction. 
“ Mr. Wilson wishes his beloved friend a happy new-year, 
and every blessing.” 
Saturday, January Ath, 1806 . 
These essays in etching,* though creditable to Wilson’s in- 
genuity and perseverance, yet by no means afforded satisfac- 
tion. He became now convinced that ihe. point alone was not 
sufficient to produce the intended effect; and that nothing short 
of the accuracy of the graver would in any wise correspond to 
his ideas of excellence. But in the art of engraving he had ne- 
ver been instructed; and he could not command means suffi- 
cient to cover the expense of the plates even of a single volume, 
on the magnificent plan which his comprehensive mind had 
delineated. A proposition was now made to Mr. Lawson to 
engage in the work, on a joint concern. But there were se- 
veral objections which this gentleman urged, sufficiently 
weighty, in his opinion, to warrant his non-acceptance of the 
offer. Wilson, finding his schemes thus baffled, declared, with 
* The two first plates of the Ornithology are those which the author etch- 
ed himself. The writer of tliis sketch has in his possession a proof of the 
first one, winch he preserves as a relic of no small value. It is inscribed 
with tire autlioris name. 
