292. _Sir Joshua Reynolds._--Having the early catalogues of the Royal
Academy before me, I see that in 1773 and following years, Sir Joshua
exhibited twelve or thirteen works. You will find they stand as current
Nos. in the list. Can you inform me whether they hung on the line, that
is, in the space of privilege, or took their chance with the many? Had
they, under his own eye, been grouped together, what a treat it must
have been to see them! What an evidence of the industry of the man!
Though too late in the day to obtain these details from actual
observation, enough may be recorded or remembered through others, to
assist in throwing light on the rules and customs of past days, which
never can be deficient in interest while they tend to illustrate the
habits and character of great men.
You could touch no topic more interesting than this must prove to the
increasing curiosity seekers in your useful and amusing repertorium, and
your attention to it will be valued by