The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1877-1885, 1878-04-25

friends. &c. on them; but i hope
some one, who knows, will tell us
more of her present inclination to the
work. In ante bellum days l think
these likenesses sold readily for TWEEN
ty dollars.
i am so glad, lear Mrs. Spencer, to
know that the spell has been broken
and hat somebody has had the cour-
age TO speak right out in meetin
and that she knows so well what to
saw, and hOU to say it!
Women, generally, have no trouble
in expressing their wishes, or their
likes and dislikes, in good plain En-
glish, but to write them down, with
clearness, elegance and precision, and
think it mere pastime," is thought,
by most Of US, an annoyance, or an alb
surdity.
Grammatical rules, photography and
etymology even, in the flight Of years,
are forgotten by many, while syntax
and prosody are buried "clean out Of
sight" amid the-tO us-mOre pleasing
studies of household arts and ele-
gancies. and no oracle of olden times
could have welded, perhaps, a more
potent influence than does the dread
of critics eye to one unused to writing
for the public.
Time, however, sets things all right,
and with the exercise Of those sterling
virtues, patience and prudence, with
the waking up Of thought, we may
surely expect good things from the
good mothers and fair daughters, of
the sold State" in the art of writing.
Our bodies and their adornment re-
ceive SO much care and attention that,
possibly, we may have grown careless
about the inward and more beautiful
treasures of the mind. But, as beauty
is almost omnipotent in it's power, we
could not counsel carelessness, as re-
CARDS the ''face and form divine."-
These are the gift Of God, and as such,
should be cared for and made fit tenn
pies for the nobler souls.
Mrs. NJ. B. C's letter, in a late num-
Der of the FARMER AND MECHANIC,
was delightfully."- pleasant and sug-
gestive, and cannot we know some
thing more of the Mrs. Mason, Of
whose mosaic carving she speaks?-
Is it undertaken simply for pleasure
to herself, or may the public reap the
benefit of her artistic workmanship?
Our young people are busying them
selves with what is called "'pottery
work" and many of the pieces when
finished are really pretty, and fair
limitations of genuine porcelain wares,
and though one does not care to en-
courage ''shams," as the next best to
the real, these substituted in our
Strengthened finances must suffice.
If we have no high-art disciples at
home it is owing to a want of means
and accessories rather than to a want
of disposition and talent, and on one
VI JIG SOlutH udyS, WHICH NAV be
coming to us, our eyes may be glad
dened by the sight Of names made
mortal in song, poetry, and art, right
here i n North Carolina. And for this
let us hope, and encourage one anoth-
er.
Pardon me for intruding upon your
time and attention dear Madam.
am a plain ''old fashioned body" my
self, and know very little of the set
forms of speech and surely do not pos
sess the pen of a ready writer. but
IyteH that it would be a pleasure TO
me to express to you, my grat;fica-
ton in your efforts and nv sincere
appreciation of your communications
for the public, especially the youno
peoples good.
Very truly and respectfully.
Mrs. l.. A, IA.