258 Form and Color in Nature. 



in the way of a response to certain characteristic vibrations. 

 But in the race as a whole, through inheritance of that 

 which had been acquired by earlier types, through use and 

 constant reaction to the multitude of impressions from sur- 

 rounding objects, there has been developed an acute per- 

 ception and enjoyment of color and form, and there has 

 been formulated within us a sense of beauty, including 

 grace and fitness, which has acquired the power of that 

 which we call an instinct. 



The lines of the mountains and the valleys, the forms of 

 trees and plants and every object which opposes our view, 

 the motion of the sea or of waving grain, the gradations 

 of the distance, the colors upon the softly rounded cheek, 

 upon flowers and fruits and birds, and in the evanescent 

 glory of the sunset, appeal through the sense to the heart 

 of man, and find their heaven in his spiritual nature. Stimu- 

 lated by their influences as by all that come to him from 

 the wondrous universe in which he is placed, palpitating in 

 every part with that fresh new life which is the life of ages, 

 should he not aspire to something more than is now visible 

 to him ? Should he not compel a future for his race upon 

 this earth worthy of the past which has nurtured him ? 



" Can rules or tutors educate 

 The Semi-God whom we await 1 

 He must be musical, 

 Tremulous, impressional, 

 Alive to gentle influence 

 Of landscape and of sky, 

 And tender to the spirit-touch 

 Of man's or maiden s eye : 

 But, to his native center fast, 

 Shall into future fuse the past, 

 And the world's flowing fates in his own mould recast" 



