REPORTS OF COMMITTEES. 39 



then must have a powerful grasp upon the technique of his art 

 in order satisfactorily to express on the canvas that which he 

 feels. Few acquire this skill early in life, or in other places than 

 where artists abound. True art demands, like every other mis- 

 tress, the whole-souled devotion of her lover. In our rural com- 

 munities and smal'er cities, oil painting yet has ample room in 

 which to grow. With us it is not an avocation but rather an 

 accomplishment or the amusement for a leisure hour. We have, 

 perhaps, reason to be grateful that the perfection of our home 

 talent is not entirely secured, for in that case those whose work 

 we are glad to see in our fine-art room would be spirited away 

 to the large art centres of our land. We should be content to 

 see our artistic life expanding, to encourage it, and to notice 

 with joy the spread of the love for the beautiful which accom- 

 panies its growth. 



In water-colors the exhibits were quite numerous, and of 

 varying degrees of excellence. In some the conception and 

 execution were very good ; where the success was less marked, 

 as in some executed by quite young exhibitors, there was an 

 indication of finer work to come. An effort after truth and 

 honesty, a carefulness to observe fruits and flowers, and other 

 objects exactly as they are, and so to represent them, was veiy 

 evident. The teachers of both oil and water-color painting in 

 our community have reason to be gratified with the success of 

 their pupils. Our young people are getting a facility with the 

 brush, and an interest in art which would have been a cause for 

 amazement two generations ago. 



In crayon-drawing, with the exception of a single piece, the 

 exhibits could not be called satisfactory. Another year it is to 

 be hoped there will be an improvement. Most of the drawings 

 were "copies," and therefore less praiseworthy. 



The exhibits in pencil drawing were all copies. No pre- 

 mium could therefore be given, in view of the principle recom- 

 mended in the report of the fine art committee of 1879. The 

 present committee did not, however, follow the suggestion of 

 that report so far as to refuse gratuities to meritorious copies in 



