on."

These variations are very interesting, and even amusing. On an ordinary
careless glance one would hardly detect much difference--the artist, who
seemed to wish to have a certain freedom, made these changes either to
amuse himself or as if resenting the monotony of copying. In any case
they represent an amount of patient labour that is quite unique in such
things.

The Pickwickian "student" may be glad to go with us through some of the
plates and have an account of these differences. We must premise that
the first state of the plates may be considered "proofs before
letters"--the descriptive titles being only found in the later editions.

1. "The Frontispiece." (We shall call the second state _b_, the first
_a_.) In _a_ the signature "Phiz," "fct." or "fecit" is on the left, in
_b_ it is divided half on each side. The harlequin painting has a full
face in _a_, a side face in _b_. The face at the apex of the picture has
a mouth closed in _b_, and open in _a_. There are variations in nearly
all the grotesque faces; and in _b_ the faces of Mr. Pickwick and Sam are
fuller and more animated. In _b_ the general treatment of the whole is
richer.

2. "The Title-page." In _a_ the sign has Veller, in _b_ Weller. Old
Weller's face in _b_ is more resolved and animated; in _a_ water is
flowing from the pail.

3. "Mr. Pickwick Addressing the Club." Mr. Pickwick in _b_ is more
cantankerous than in _a_--all the faces scarcely correspond in
expression, though the outlines are the same. The work, shading, etc.,
is much bolder in _b_.

4. "Scene with the Cabman." Very little difference between the plates,
save in the spectacles lying on the ground. These are trivialities.

5. "The Sagacious Dog." _b_ is more heavily shaded, but _a_ is much
superior in the dog and face of the sportsman. Trees in _b_ more
elaborate.

6. "Dr. Slammer's Defiance." The figures on the top of the stairs are
much darker and bolder in _b_. Jingle's and Tupman's faces are better in
_b_ than in _a_, and Jingle's legs are better drawn in _b_.

7. "The Dying Clown." A most dramatic and tragic conception, which
shows that Seymour would have been invaluable later on for Dickens' more
serious work. The chief differences are in the face of the man at his
bedside and the candle.

8. "Mr. Pickwick in Search of his Hat." The drawing of Mr. Pickwick's
legs is rather strange. The right leg could hardly be so much twisted
back wh