478 



NATURE S TEACHINGS. 



speak, with those of the surrounding stars, as is shown in the 

 illustration. 



Whether the engraver who hit upon this singularly effec- 

 tive plan took it from Nature, I cannot say, but he well might 

 have done so, had he examined the petal of a flower through a 

 good microscope. We all know the peculiar rich softness of 

 a petal, and how our very best floral artists feel the impossi- 

 bility of transferring it to paper. 



The real reason for this special beauty lies in the star- 

 stippling of the petal. The whole surface of the petal is covered 



STIPPLING. 



PETAL OP GERANIUM. 



with multitudinous projections, which are, in fact, undeveloped 

 hairs. These projections are wrinkled down the sides, and so, 

 when viewed from above, they present the curious star-like 

 appearance shown on the right hand of the illustration. 



The drawing is taken from a petal of Pelargonium prepared 

 by myself. 



There is yet one point in the petal which the star-stipple has 

 not touched, and probably cannot touch. I mean the slight 

 projection of the stipple-hairs, which give an effect of light and 

 shade as well as mere flat softness. 



Plaster Casts. 



We have already mentioned the electrotype, and may now 

 come to a branch of art which is much associated with it, 

 namely, the Stereotype. 



