'I'HE yOUNft SCIENTIST. 
21 
Scented ; and thus we are enabled to reproduce 
to the eye and intelligence the form and gen- 
eral character of the subjects under considera- 
tion. The first step therefore must be to study 
the character of those lines and curves, lights 
and shades, which by acquired skill can pro- 
duce such splendid results. 
The development of this power in- 
volves the training and education of 
the eye, the mind and the hand, to 
act in unison. Systematic exercises 
for this purpose must therefore be 
<;arefully, faithfully and patiently 
persevered in, until this faculty be 
acquired. The judgment must also 
be able to approximate, independent 
of mechanical means, relative pro- 
portions, equal divisions of lines, per- 
pendicular and horizontal relations; 
the nature and combination of pecu- 
liar curves, all of which by judicious 
handling, give the outlines of objects. 
These efforts may be tested by the 
rule, the compass and the square, to 
ascertain how near they come to the 
truth. But the sine qua non of suc- 
cess, is to acquire, as an instinct, in- 
dependence and self-reliance. 
To some this may appear difficult, 
and to many it may be really so, but 
perseverance will overcome, these difficulties 
will vanish, and the dawn of new power will 
richly repay and strengthen the aspirant. 
Provide yourself with a supply of paper for 
first exercise practice, get the cheapest you can 
find (unfinished brown is good) ; do not imply 
by this that your efforts are to be of a like 
cheap and common order ; but economy in this 
matter will be the most useful lesson you can 
learn, for with many the desire to learn is frus- 
trated by the extravagance of teachers, who 
require the very best and most expensive ma- 
terials, which is not necessary in preliminary 
practice and study. 
For pencils No. 2 Faber's are the best ; these 
can always be depended on. To sharpen the 
pencil for exercises at this stage, do not get too 
filiarp a point, as the nature of the work does 
no" require it. 
And now before we make a start, as we can- 
not superintend you in person, we must say a 
few words as to the best position for comfort 
and freedom of action. Many fail in not giv- 
ing due importance to this point. 
Procure a board say 24 by 18 inches, many of 
our readers can make one for themselves. Let 
it be smooth and square, place it on any ordi- 
nary table at an inclination of about 25". This 
can easily be done by placing one or two books 
under one end of it. 
Then place the body so that the greatest 
freedom can be maintained for the greatest 
length of time. We, in our usual work, can sit 
so, working on the most Intricate and difficult 
drawings for ten hours a day, and every day at 
that, without any great fatigue. But we would 
not recommend beginners to sit more than one 
hour at a time, as the apparently dry exercise 
is liable to become wearisome, and induce care- 
lessness. Carelessness must be avoided, in fact 
must have no part in any endeavor. Having 
secured your square sheet of paper on your 
board, be careful to place it so that it will be 
parallel with the four edges of the board ; as 
this will be the only guide you will have to 
train the hand and eye in making perpendicular 
and horizontal lines. Take the pencil in the 
hand with a very free hold ; do not draw from 
the wrist, but let the arm have an easy motion 
from the left to the right ; avoid all stiffness. 
Now first let us practice on horizontal lines. 
In the accompanying engraving we have en- 
deavored to show all these points so that they 
will be easily understood. 
