It will be seen that the compiler has taken a hint, or rather _followed_ a hint of one of the critics upon this little book. He has resorted for part of his materials, to the author, who is the richest of all in the humour of _situation_. Fielding has been suggested; but though some things, excellent in their kind, might be found in him, yet it will be observed, on a more accurate consideration, that this admirable author is infinitely less adapted to the pencil of Cruikshank, than his successor in the walk of humour. Fielding is a master in the power of laying open all the springs which regulate the motion of that curious piece of mechanism, the human heart. He wrote with the inspiration of genius, and is true to nature in her minutest circumstances. He involuntarily and unconsciously catches the look, the word, the gesture, which would undoubtedly have manifested itself, and which is in itself a strong gleam of light upon the whole character. His _dramatis personae_ are not, generally, very extraordinary people.--He dealt in that which is _common_ to all. While, on the contrary, Smollett is rich in that which is uncommon and eccentric. His field is among oddities, hobby-horses, foibles, and singularities of all kinds, which he groups in the most extraordinary manner, and colours for the most striking effect. We read Fielding with a satisfied smile, but it is over the page of Smollett that the loud laugh is heard to break forth.--How much at home our artist is in the conception of Smollett may be seen in the following, plates. It has been said that it is a pity Mr. Cruikshank should waste his talents upon ephemeral anecdotes, and not hand down his name by illustrating the works of our great Novelists. As well might it have been said to these great Novelists, "confine yourselves to commenting upon, or translating Cervantes or Le Sage." Genius consecrates and immortalizes all it touches.--If the tales or anecdotes be ephemeral, the plates will stamp them for a good old age. Hogarth did not paint his _Rake's Progress_ in illustration of any immortal work, nor does it require a set of octavo volumes to remind posterity of his existence. A similar excuse may apply to Cruikshank, who, generally, would chuse rather to exalt the humble, than endow the rich. We have an observation to make respecting one of the plates, the last in the order. It will be seen that the costume of the characters there pourtrayed, is essentially different from that adopted by every illustrator of Shakspeare. This has not been done unadvisedly. The proper authorities have been in this, as in other cases, diligently consulted, and it has appeared that these artists, in their endeayour to discover the dress of our ancestors, have stopped short at the reign of Charles II., instead of penetrating to that of Henry V. March, 1824. POINT I. THE THREE HUNCHBACKS.