to distinguish it as an artistic subject — but also in 

 its contours is that added element, strength. And 

 it is this which serves to single out the sea-horse 

 among all other creatures of the world which make 

 a bid for our admiration of the pretty and pic- 

 turesque. That the hippocampid pleases the lighter 

 popular fancy is doubtless due in some degree to 

 the attraction of its horse-like head ; that it retains 

 a strong hold on the sober imagination of the mul- 

 titude, however, can be ascribed only as owing to 

 those features which may be said to place it in the 

 very forefront of animate objects of art. 



No; let the lovers of lifeless line exalt their 

 urns and other artificialities; for my part I prefer 

 to indulge in such artistic pleasures as are afforded 

 by natural forms, in such as are found in pleasing 

 Hippocampus. 



I am not unmindful that these personal predilec- 

 tions are vulgar and in keeping with those of the 

 crowd. But a fig for the affectations and farcical 

 refinements of the Chosen Few ! What is this "Art" 

 never mentioned by them in print without the 

 majuscule, this Art of which they so glibly prate 

 but which they are incompetent to practise? At its 

 very best it is but an imitation. Can the thrill of 



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