"My dear Sirs,—The proof is absolutely splendid—one or two things I should like a little altered, but these I will see you about. I have two of 'Joseph' nearly ready, and have been for some month or more, but I have, unfortunately, crushed the bone of the top joint of the middle finger of my right hand. It is getting on well, and I have this week commenced working on a large picture, but I am debarred for the present still from touching the wood cut. I could not have sent the portrait of Mrs. Lewis to the Academy had it not been for some assistance kindly given me by Holman Hunt. I think I may promise, without disappointing you, one, if not two,[19] blocks in the first week in May.
"Ever yours truly,
"Frederick Sandys."
Hosannah. By Simeon Solomon.
FROM "DALZIEL'S BIBLE GALLERY."
By permission of Messrs. Herbert Virtue & Co., Ltd.
Our original intention being to publish an "Illustrated Bible," we were desirous that it should be carefully watched through the press, and, if necessary, some few explanatory notes appended. With this object we offered the editorship to Sir George Grove. The following letter is of interest, explaining his reasons for declining the responsibility: