13] The mechanical processes, neglected and despised by the majority
of illustrators for many years, have, by a sudden freak of fashion,
apparently become so universal that, it is estimated, several
thousand blocks are made in London alone every week.

[14] This excellent drawing was made on rough white paper with
autographic chalk; the print being much reduced in size. It is seldom
that such a good grey block can be obtained by this means.

[15] The young artist would be much better occupied in learning
_drawing on stone_ direct, a branch of art which does not come into
the scope of this book, as it is seldom used in book illustration,
and cannot be printed at the type press. Drawing on stone is well
worthy of study now, for the art is being revived in England on
account of the greater facilities for printing than formerly.

[16] The evil of it is that _we are becoming used to black blots_ in
the pages of books and newspapers, and take them as a matter of
course; just as we submit to the deformity of the outward man in the
matter of clothing.

[17] On the opposite page is an excellent reproduction of a painting
from a photograph by the half-tone process.

[18] "_'Mongst Mines and Miners_," by J. C. Burrows and W. Thomas.
(London: Simpkin, Marshall & Co.)

[19] Both Mr. Cameron's and Mr. Mendelssohn's photographs have had to
be slightly cut down to fit these pages. But as illustrations they
are, I think, remarkable examples of the photographer's and the
photo-engraver's art.

[20] From the _Graphic_ newspaper, 28th October, 1893.

[Illustration: FROM "GRIMM'S HOUSEHOLD STORIES." (WALTER CRANE.)]

CHAPTER V.

WOOD ENGRAVINGS.

To turn to a more practical side of book illustration. The first
principle of illustration is to _illustrate_, and yet it is a fact that
few illustrations in books or magazines are to be found in their proper
places in the text.

It is seldom that the illustration (so called) is in artistic harmony
with the rest of the page, as it is found in old books. One of the great
charms of Bewick's work is its individuality and expressive character.
Here the artist and engraver were one, and a system of illustration was
founded in England a hundred years ago which we should do well not to
forget.[21]

We are fast losing sight of first principles and aiming rather at
catching the eye and the public