The large increase of work which Murray was prepared to place in the hands of the printers induced Ballantyne to invite him to come as far as Ferrybridge in Yorkshire for a personal conference.

At this interview various new projects were discussed--among them the proposed Novelists' Library--and from the information which he then obtained as to Scott's personal feelings and literary projects, Murray considered himself justified in at once proceeding to Ashestiel, in order to lay before Scott himself, in a personal interview, his great scheme for the new Review.

He arrived there about the middle of October 1808, and was hospitably welcomed and entertained.

He stated his plans, mentioned the proposed editor of the Review, the probable contributors, and earnestly invited the assistance of Scott himself.
During Murray's visit to Ashestiel No.

26 of the _Edinburgh Review_ arrived.