“Thomas Allen.”
“Sir,
“I have only just had time to look into your valuable and most interesting work, The Builder, which I took up by accident this morning. I am so convinced of its excellence, that I should feel greatly obliged if you would allow me to become a subscriber of the unstamped number, from the first, and supply me regularly with it, if you are in the habit of sending it to this neighbourhood.
“I am, Sir, &c.
“J. R. W.”
“Sir,
“Last Saturday evening I bought the precursor number of The Builder, and was so pleased with the contents, that I called again at your office to say that I meant to take it in myself, and that I had shewn it to a bookseller, who told me that he also would order it at once for his shop. At that time I had only taken a very cursory glance at the number, but on further inspection, I feel convinced that it must have a very great sale, and I am sure I heartily wish you every success. My answer to your question, as to whether a magazine or simple newspaper would be the better form of publication is this,—that though many would prefer it as a magazine only, yet many more would rather see the news of the week blended in its columns. I am no artist, I am no mechanic, but I am a very great admirer of architecture, particularly of country houses and rustic cottages, churches, gardens, &c.
“I wish your new work was called ‘The Builder and Landscape Gardener.’ Views of parks and garden grounds, &c., ornamented with their castles, halls, cottages, &c., both of this and other countries, are at all times highly instructive and interesting.