Critique on i/ie December Number. 225 



those sentiments essential to the cultivation oi' a proper regard and 

 feeling for the fine arts. Generally, with the introduction of new 

 sensations and unusual ambitions, come those liloodhounds and 

 charlatans who feed and fatten on the generous impulses of the 

 credulous ones who desire to soar beyond their neighbor with 

 their recently acquired pinions. Thus are some made happy in the 

 heart-hugged unction that they have acquired a genuine Titian at 

 an enormous sacrifice (so says the wily vender). The good peo- 

 ple are not aware in their enthusiasm of these newly-fledged pas- 

 sions, that Medician Venuses are as plenty as grave-stones, and 

 in many instances nearly as faultless as the great original, but 

 are comparatively valueless because Roman chisels were not at 

 the quarrying. 



I once heard an anecdote related of a talented artist who visit- 

 ed Rome, and, of course, ran the gauntlet of the chef d'ceuvres in 

 the Vatican. Having inspected the various gems of art as dis- 

 posed in the galleries, he very innocently inquired after the pre- 

 cincts sacred to the works of Angelo and other celebrities. You 

 may well imagine his surprise and chagrin when answered that he 

 had just witnessed the efforts of the great " talked of." 



The inference I wish to convey is, that iron statuary, correctly 

 modelled from good figures, is quite as satisfactory, and is ca- 

 pable of exciting the same emotions, as the marble statue that 

 costs fifty times the amount. It will be understood that these re- 

 marks are intended to apply to out-door decoration, as iron 

 would be highly improper occupying a niche in one's hall 

 or drawing-room. The figures you represent in the " Review/' 

 are very appropriate, and can, doubtless, be procured at trifling 

 prices. Where sculptured articles are introduced in a highly pic- 

 turesque landscape, I should prefer vases containing flowers, there 

 being a greater degree of affinity, and betray a harmonious pur- 

 pose. On some future occasion I shall take tlie liberty of again 

 reverting to the subject. 



CcLTiVATioN or THE Grasses — By L. Durand. Tliis is, doubtless, 

 the article promised in the October number. The importance of 

 bestowing a more specific cultivation on this gvoat " staple," 

 grass, seems to be properly appreciated by this gentleman. Many 

 people are desirous of maintaining a lawn whose verdure shall be 

 as bright and untarnished in August as when the enierald carpet 



