n made his
post-Taylorian appearance in _Punch_ (that was not "old stock") was with
an article in the Sandford and Merton style, directed against the Duke
of Bedford and the Bloomsbury gates. This little attack, called
"K.G.--Q.E.D.," constitutes Mr. Ralston's sole contribution to the
literature of the age.

[Illustration: W. RALSTON.

(_From a Photograph by W. Ralston, Glasgow._)]

Mr. A. Chantrey Corbould, as already explained, was introduced to
_Punch_ by his uncle, Charles Keene. Beginning in 1871, he worked on
until 1890, when a temporary cessation intervened. His work, dealing
chiefly with hunting and "horsey" subjects, has always a certain
freshness, in spite of being, technically speaking, a little tight, and
at one time raised their author to very near the front rank in
popularity. He was only eighteen when he joined (the expression "Mr.
Punch's young men," it will be seen, is no misnomer), having already had
the benefit of Keene's advice. One of the elder artist's letters is
before me as I write:--

"I saw your drawing this morning," he says, "and think it very
good, considering the short time you have had to study art; but I
can see that the execution would render the drawing rather
difficult to engrave, and you want a little more study and practice
in 'the human face divine' to please the newspaper people. I never
give advice on these matters, but I can tell you from my own
experience I don't think drawing on wood is a good road to stand on
as an artist; but if you don't agree with me, and wish to go in for
this particular branch, it seems to me that you should article or
apprentice yourself by legal agreement with some engraver of large
business for a certain time on certain terms. This is how I began,
and have been sorry for it ever since!"

[Illustration: A. CHANTREY CORBOULD.

(_Drawn by Himself._)]

Fourteen years later, when Mr. Corbould was still hoping for that
position with which many people already credited him--a Staff
appointment--Keene wrote:--

"I've no doubt myself that it is in your power, if you manage well,
to get on to _Punch_. It is rather unlucky that Burnand is not a
sporting man" [Mr. Burnand, by the way, is an inveterate horseman].
"... I should advise you to drive gently but steadily at hunting
and country subjects, and if you get a good idea of any sort have a
shy at it, and encourag