The original drawings, in delicate water-colour, in the present Mr.John Murray's possession, are sufficiently grim.

The engravings, lacking the relief of colour, are even more so, and a rapid survey of the entire series amply shows how largely in Crabbe's subjects bulks the element of human misery.

Crabbe was much flattered by this new tribute to his reputation, and dwells on it in one of his letters to Mrs.Leadbeater.
A letter written from Mrs.Hoare's house at Hampstead in June 1825 presents an agreeable picture of his holiday enjoyments:-- "My time passes I cannot tell how pleasantly when the pain leaves me.

To-day I read one of my long stories to my friends and Mrs.Joanna Baillie and her sister.

It was a task; but they encouraged me, and were, or seemed, gratified.