THE ILLUSTRATIONS. IX 



an intimate knowledge of the scenes which Mr. 

 Short had depicted, that those who were equally 

 familiar with these scenes would recognize in 

 this young artist's pictures ' a touch which no 

 mere art-training could give.' The verdict of 

 the press confirmed this estimate, one journal 

 remarking that Mr. Short's graceful sketches were 

 ' instinct with a true feeling for Nature, and full 

 of delicate appreciativeness for quiet English 

 country life.' Of his work for this volume the 

 verdict will not the Author is convinced, if he 

 may venture to speak for his coadjutor be less 

 favourable, though the aspect of Nature dealt with 

 is so different. The essential function of art in 

 drawing is nob to improve Nature as some 

 artists, with rare conceit, imagine but to copy 

 her. Fidelity to the original is, therefore, the 

 best and surest test of artistic ability. To this 

 test the Author begs to submit the work of one 

 who cannot speak for himself. 



The initial-letter designs have been made to 

 harmonize with the general purpose of this work, 

 and to exhibit scenery of different kinds, under 

 its wintry aspect, an aspect which, it is desired, 



