90 PHANTOM FLOWEItS. 



Neither is universal adoption the gauge by which 

 all merits are to be estimated. As the contemplation 

 of an exquisitely chiselled statue will stimulate high 

 and noble thoughts, such as refine the heart and 

 awaken in it new and lofty aspirations, so do all 

 other works of genuine art, no matter to what depart- 

 ment they may belong. The present century has 

 shown us that all art is progressive, and that between 

 its progress and the advance of a generally refined taste, 

 there is a parallelism too distinct to be overlooked. 

 The production of a skeletonized flower is one contri- 

 bution to the general sum of advancement. The 

 flower may be less imposing than the statue, or the 

 canvas, but it is a far more elaborate marvel, com- 

 bining in a single subject a revelation of the wonders 

 of the Divine Hand so intricate, yet so harmonious, 

 that the chisel of the statuary or the pencil of the 

 painter might seek in vain to rival it. The advent 

 of this should therefore be hailed as a new star in the 

 galaxy. It will contribute its full share to the general 

 fund of innocent and rational gratification. Taste will 

 appreciate its productions, genius will consecrate them, 

 and the devout will cherish them as affording new 

 incentives for veneration. 



The art is one which seems designed for female 



