"Gentlemen,—I herewith return the three printed proofs touched upon, and by that you will kindly do your best to carry out the alterations indicated.
"The last proofs sent (eight in number) will be forwarded to Mr. Simpson to-day. They are, upon the whole, very satisfactory, though all, more or less, requiring careful overhauling, though through no shortcoming of yours, as the drawings have been wonderfully rendered. I would more especially mention as worthy of all praise, as specimens of engraving, 'The Melrose,' and the interior with figures, and the suit of armour. The latter is certainly very perfect.
"Your kind offer of a proof of Mr. Houghton's beautiful design, and your beautiful Engraving of the long-haired Lady with Children, I cannot refuse; though in what I said in my last, I merely meant to indicate the desire, which so many must feel, that high class things of that sort could be got by themselves and printed in a manner worthy of their excellence—they are generally so indifferently printed in the Periodicals in which they appear and dis-appear.
"In haste.
"Very faithfully yours,
"J. Noel Paton."
"Messrs. Dalziel."
"Absence from Town, and other causes, has prevented me from acknowledging more promptly 15 proofs of your engravings for the 'Lays of the Scottish Cavaliers,' which, I am happy to say, are all very satisfactory indeed.
"I am, Gentlemen,
"Yours very truly,
"J. Noel Paton."