The author, in his preface, thus refers to the circumstances under which these illustrations by a deceased artist have been imported into an annual:—
'Of the embellishments to which, after the manner of annuals in general, the matter has been adapted, it will be a sufficient recommendation to state that the designs have been carefully selected from a great variety of original drawings by the late Mr. Rowlandson, the humour of whose pencil has been long universally acknowledged, and no expense has been spared to render the engravings worthy of the subjects.'
The principal illustrations are as follows:—
Frontispiece. The Humourist and her Crew.—The model of a ship, drawn
by a donkey, followed by an escort of seamen, who have severally lost a leg in the
service of their country; they are singing lustily, and appealing to the charitably
inclined.
Vignette. The Doctors Puzzled.—A circle of grave practitioners.
""" A learned consultation.
"Death pounding a mortar, as the apothecary's assistant. ('Great allowance to dealers in quack medicines.') This subject occurs in the Dance of Death (1814).
I have a secret art to cure
Each malady which men endure.
Uncle Timothy.—A fat equestrian trying to mount a restive steed.
Vignette. Umbrella flirtations on horseback.
The March of Intellect.—A bibliophilist doctor rummaging a bookstall.