DIARY FOR 1798.
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   January 2d. I formed a scheme for engraving a Skeleton on wood, of a large size, about 4 feet by 2.—Began to execute my scheme, and for that purpose borrow’d the large edition of Albinus from Dr. Chickering. Pasted together some paper for drawing the sketch, and repari’d the book which was somewhat torn.
   8th. Full of  a new scheme—no less than building a new System of Botany.—
  I deliver’d the patterns for my anatomical plate to a Cabinet-maker to have the wood prepared.
   I saw my Burlesque Ode on the Five Senses in the “Time-piece.”
   30th. I took an oath for Debow at Mr. Kent’s, having put up his advertisement on the Jail door for six Mondays successively, agreeably to the Act of Insolvency.

   Februrary 3d. I engaged a house in Liberty St. of James Shaw. at £90 and taxes.
   6th. This morning I went to the Tontine Tavern, and regaled myself with a view of Mr. Baker’s painting of Gen’l Washington, by Stuart. It is allowed by all to be a masterpiece.—The music of the concert clock was an addition to our entertainment.—Mr. Baker was busy repairing a barrel organ.
   I have been very much push’d for money, and my fruitless endeavours to collect it have put me in the dumps.
   8th. Very cold weather.—I spent almost the whole day in repairing the injury which the sudden change has done to my wooden plates, by cracking them.
   10th. I made great preparations in the garret for printing one of my plates, and in the afternoon procur’d a proof of it.
   12th. I have finish’d my weighty job of engraving, at last, and must now set myself to work to print it.—My method of doing it is this; The plate is laid on a table in the garret, the paper properly mositen’d is applied over it, and on that some loose paper. Over all is placed a level board cover’d with flannel. and a strong pressure is applied to it by means of a lever. The board is then removed