THE ARTIST.

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than the cultivation of that knowledge which isessential to the practice of it. The pleasure andadvantage are so obvious, that to point themout (at least to the intelligent) would almost bean insult to the understanding.

But there is a reverse to this picture.—Thedevotedness with which the votaries of art clingto their favourite study is liable to so many rudeshocks, is attended by so many privations, oftenfrom the free air and common light of heaven,but more especially arising from neglect and thevarious contingencies attending the developementof talent,—that it is not wonderful the frame shouldbe shaken, and the mind at length alienated orrendered incapable of enjoying pleasures thatdawned upon the first efforts in art. Those whosee nothing but the results of the painter's skill,who hear nothing but the praises (often exagge-rated) that are bestowed upon his works, catchonly at the information given by sight or hearsay,and imagine the path to be that of pleasure, orof contentment at least. Neglect, however, issometimes overcome by perseverance, and op-

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