l8 LOVE S MEINIE. 



This terrific, yet truly beautiful representation, was 

 all the more highly esteemed for the time that 

 had been expended on it in the plumage of the 

 birds, and other minutiae in the delineation of the 

 different animals, and in the diversity of the branches 

 and leaves of the various trees seen therein ;" and 

 thenceforward the catastrophe is direct, to the orni- 

 thological museums which Breughel painted for 

 gardens of Eden, and to the still life and dead 

 game of Dutch celebrities. 



15. And yet I am going to invite you to-day to 

 examine, down to almost microscopic detail, the 

 aspect of a small bird, and to invite you to do this, 

 as a most expedient and sure step in your study 

 of the greatest art 



But the difference in our motive of examination 

 will entirely alter the result. To paint birds that 

 we may show how minutely we can paint, is among 

 the most contemptible occupations of art. To paint 

 them, that we may show how beautiful they are, is 

 not indeed one of its highest, but quite one of its 

 pleasantest and most useful ; it is a skill within the 

 reach of every student of average capacity, and 

 which, so far as acquired, will assuredly both make 

 their hearts kinder, and their lives happier. 



Without further preamble, I will ask you to look 

 to-day, more carefully than usual, at your well- 



