Sect. V.] Architecture. 155 



^ America, during the period under consrdera- 

 tion, has furnislied but few objects worthy of be- 

 ing contemplated or recorded. Pursuits of more 

 immediate utility and profit have generally oc- 

 cupied the attention of her citizens, and must 

 continue to occupy it, until their weaUh and ta^tc 

 shall be greatly augmented. 'J1uit America is not 

 deficient in native genius for tlie fine arts, the 

 names of West, Copley, Trumbull, and Stuart, be- 

 fore mentioned, abundantly testify ; and that it 

 can 1x)ast of many artists who want nothing but 

 instruction, and incitements to exertion, to place 

 them in a very honourable rank, experience daily 

 renders more probable '"\ A taste for the tine arts 

 in that .country is evidently on the increase f, 



* Among many nnmes whicli might be mentioned to justify 

 this remark, it would, perhaps, be improper to omit taking notice 

 of Mr. Vandei-lyn, a native of Ulster county, in tJie state of New 

 Yorlv. Tills j^oung gentleman very early in life discovered a taste 

 for painting. For the purpose of encouraging and culiivating this 

 taste, he was sent to Europe, a few years ago, under the patronage 

 of Aaron Burj, esq,, now vicepresident of the United States. Hu 

 has lately returned to this city, and, in the estimation of good 

 judges, bids fair to be an honour to his countiy. 



t Though the institution of the Acndcmji of the Fine Arts, m 

 the city of New York, does not belong to the century under re- 

 view j yet the autlior cannot avoid taking notice of it in this place, 

 as an event which marks the growing taste of its citizens, does 

 honour to the gentlemen who have exerted themselves in forming 

 and executing the plan, and bids fair to be one of the most ele- 

 gant and interesting ornaments of tlie^ity. 



