12 INTRODUCTION. 



We have seen many delightful pieces of 

 fruit and flower sketches by ladies, but do not 

 recollect instances where they have completely 

 succeeded in the delineation of the human 

 figure; and have known many become disgusted 

 by a vain attempt, when they might have fully 

 succeeded, and been well amused, had they 

 commenced that branch of the graphic art 

 which so peculiarly suits them. We are aware 

 that our opinion may be objected to by the 

 generality of drawing masters ; but we write 

 as a parent for parents, and can feel for those 

 whose time has been vainly wasted in endea- 

 vouring to follow, with unequal steps, some 

 of the boldest designs of man. 



" But softer tasks divide Florella's hours ; 

 To watch the buds just opening on the day ; 

 With welcome shade to screen the languid flowers 

 That sicken in the Summer's parching ray. 

 Oft will she stop amidst her evening walk, 

 With tender hand each bruised plant to rear, 

 To bind the drooping lily's broken stalk, 

 And nurse the blossoms of the infant year." 



Barbauld* 



The description, by Moses, of the garden 

 of Eden, the first abode of first created man, 

 formed the outlines which Milton has so 

 splendidly enriched with all the imagery of 

 poetry. From this have been copied the 

 plantation, the park, and shrubbery, so justly 

 the pride of the nation, and so properly the 



