The reader is likewise entreated to observe, that throughout the annexed catalogue of plates, variations, &c. _J. N._ has mentioned only such as he has seen. Alike unwilling to deceive or be deceived, he has suppressed all intelligence he could not authenticate from immediate inspection. He might easily have enlarged his work by admitting particulars of doubtful authority, sometimes imperfectly recollected by their several communicators, and sometimes offered as sportive impositions on an author's credulity. Of this weakness every one possesses some; but perhaps no man more than he who ambitiously seeks opportunities to improve on the labours of another. _J. N._ is sure, however, that Mr. _Walpole_, whom none can exceed in taste and judgment, will be little concerned about the merits of a performance that founds its claim to notice only on the humbler pretences of industry and correctness. [1] It is proper to acknowledge, that all such short strictures and annotations on these performances as are distinguished by being printed both in _Italics_ and between inverted commas, are copied from the list of _Hogarth's_ works published by Mr. _Walpole_. * * * * * 1720. 1. _W. Hogarth_, engraver, with two figures and two _Cupids, April_ 28, 1720. * * * * * 1721. 1. An emblematic print on the _South Sea. W. Hogarth inv. & sc. Sold by Mrs. Chilcot in Westminster-hall, and B. Caldwell, Printseller in Newgate-street. "Persons riding on wooden horses. The Devil cutting Fortune into collops. A man broken on the wheel, &c. A very poor performance."_ Under it are the following verses: See here the causes why in _London_ So many men are made and undone; That arts and honest trading drop, To swarm about the Devil's shop (A), Who cuts out (B) Fortune's golden haunches, Trapping their souls with lots and chances, Sharing 'em from blue garters down To all blue aprons in the town. Here all religions flock together, Like tame and wild fowl of a feather, Leaving their strife religious bustle, Kneel down to play at pitch and hustle (C): Thus when the shepherds are at play; Their flocks must surely go astray; The woeful cause that in these times (E) Honour and Honesty (D) are crimes That publickly are punish'd by (G) Self-Interest and (F) Vilany; So much for mony's magic power, Guess at the rest, you find out more. _Price One Shilling._[1]