tools, manufactured by an ordinary blacksmith, sustained only by his native genius, and but scantily reniunerated, laid, in the face of the greatest difficulties, the foundations of the art that now occupies so prominent a position in the amusement and instruction of millions.
In February of l795, Anderson began a series of illustrations for "Webster's Spelling Book," which Bunce & Co. were on the point of issuing.  Of this work, it is said by Mr.  Lossing, over 50,000,000 copies have been sold containing the original illustrations.  Later in this same year, Anderson seems to have had his first view of Bewick's illustrations, and he speaks of buying, on August 21st, "a History of Quadrupeds, with elegant wooden cuts for 28s."
He was fond of scribbling poetry as a relaxation, Generally putting it in the form of a satirical or gossipy letter to some friend.  An example of his style is found in his diary for 1795, and is descriptive of a journey to Rockaway, which bad not yet acquired its present popularity, and was consequently reasonable in its charges, his expenses for two days and a half being, two dollars and a quarter.  The letter was addressed to his mother, and ran as follows: