River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1874-02-06

generation to generation. He directs
the traveller on his way by marks in the
saud; tells him by his rude outline, Of
mountains aud rivers to be passed, and
no one can mistake his meaning. Who
Is there, In civilized life, that may have
been familiar with works of Art from
childhood that cannot do this2 Ifhe can;
he can do more. He possesses the germ
within him, and needs only proper cul-
tivation to bring it forth.
As 10 other arts and studies, all can.
not expect to be equally perfect, SO all
cannot expect to rival the master-spirits
in the art of Design. The work of an
artist is that of lifetime Of srduous
toll aud study.
OF the thousands who delight them.
selves aud their friends in music, how
few have composed an opera, or even
achieved the composition ola single air!
Yet what would the world lose, were
none to attempt the cultivation of this
refined and charming accomplishment,
but those who devoted themselves ex-
clusively to its pursuit? Were music
neglected as study by all except those
who make il business Of their lives,
even they would fnd few to admire and
sympathize with them in their greatest
productions, for want Of taste and un-
derstauding.
Of all people in the world, We stand
most IN need of knowledge in the Arts
of Design. Ii in Europe, surrounded
as they are by monuments Of art, thu
accumulation Of ages, it has been found
necessary to make Drawing part of
common education, how much moro es.
sential is it here, where there is little or
nothing OF the sort.
We must learn to think, and feel
and 90 for ourselves. We must begin
aud carry out :. new system Of educa-
ton IN this respect; aud, once placed in
possession of IA beginning,the energy and
Independent character Of our people, SO
evident in every thing else, will bo
made available ID the cultivation of ma
tional taste in art, and the just apprecia.
ton of the sublime and beautiful.
That a general taste for the Fine Arts
does exist, however uncultivated 1t may
be, is evident. Where is there the
humblest cottage that has not its walls
or mantle piece decorated With picture
or plaster figure?
However rude may be the work of
art which hangs as the bright Palladi.
UNI of cottage, yet the household care
bestowed upon its preservation, and
the pleasure it affords by its possession
aud contemplation, show an appreciation
of its worth, decided taste. that ifcul-
tivated, would lead TO better produc-
lions, for the supply would assuredly
be improved in character in proportion
TO the demand.
A wooden clock sells the reader for
its picture. A subscription 10 a paper
or magazine is gained more easily by
the attraction ola Autograph or chrome,
Could your daughter be able to select
subjects for imitation in her worsted
work, from the boundless resources Of
nature with which she is surrounded
could she have the means and opportu-
nifty afforded her, by proper instruction,
of parpetuating, by her pencil or brush,
the flower she has reared, the home she
has been happy in, the resemblance OF
friends she has loved, what new source
Of intellectual enjoyment would be open
TO her. And not TO her alone. The
influence Of that refnment 81 sentiment
and taste, that mus. ever follow, will
extend Throughout her life. and spread
! ch..rin about her. which will be seen
al felt in all her associations, whatev.
or be her destiny.
But you say, Il DO not want mJ
boy to become an artist.
Depend upon it. no will plough
straighter lurrow. aud build neatCr
fence, and the hammer or the axe will
Ct his hand The better for III for from
it, no matter what may be his calling in
life, he will reap advantage. Again.
you give him a source of intellectual
enjoyment, Of which no change Of for.
tune can deprive him, and that mny
secure his hours Of leisure from tho