Decorative Arts in Germany and France, 259' 



From the foregoing experiments it may be inferred, — 

 *^- That verticality of fibre is the most durable position of wood 

 for paving, besides affording the means of obtainhig as firm a 

 structure as is requisite. 



That wood is an efficient material for paving, whether sub- 

 jected to wet, dry, or frosty weather. 



That the moisture it constantly retains increases its strength, 

 preserves it against dry rot, and undue expansion and contrac- 

 tion. 



That wood for pavement is more durable than granite. 



That the value of the horse is materially enhanced, and its 

 power in draught considerably increased on wood pavement. 

 And, 



That, with its general adoption, steam power may be suc- 

 cessfully employed. 



D. Hope. 



^Qth April 1843. 



Observations on some of the Decorative Arts in Germany and 

 France, and on the causes of the superiority of these, as con- 

 trasted with the same Arts in Great Britain. With sugges- 

 tions for the improvement of Decorative Art. By Charles 

 H. Wilson, Esq., A.R.S.A., V.P.R.S.S.A. Communicated 

 by the Royal Scottish Society of Arts.* 



The general promotion of taste is an object of great interest 

 and importance, and materially affects our commercial pros- 

 perity. We find it asserted on authority which cannot be ques- 

 tioned, that the principles of taste, as applied to manufactures. 



quantity, the quality of the surface being so subject to variations ; for instance, 

 the same power will draw on a macadamized road, 



Cuts. 

 Smooth and consolidated, * . . . 34f 



After a shower of rain, . . . . . S0| 

 During a continuance of wet weather, , • £3^ 

 Laid with new metal, . . . • ; 10 



* Read before the Royal Scottish Society of \xi& 24th April 1843. 



