each them
something; every shop window contains a lesson; and it requires no very
large observation to perceive advancement in every class of British
art-manufacture--not, certainly, so marked as to produce content, but
exhibiting ample proof that we are progressing in the right direction,
and leading to the conclusion that at no very distant period we shall
not have to incur the reproach that our artisans are worse educated than
those of Germany, Belgium, and France. These remarks result from the
brief insight we have given in these pages into the rich volumes which
the past has filled for the use of the present. The books to which we
have resorted, and the places in which we have sought for rarities, are
open to most of those who desire to examine them, and who will find an
expenditure of time and labour to any amount, be it large or small,
produce an extent of remuneration of which the searcher will have no
idea until he begins to gather in the profit he has made.

We had intended to supply a list of books, to be obtained either at the
British Museum or the Museum at South Kensington, to which we desire to
direct the attention of our art-producers and art-workmen; but thus to
occupy space is needless. The requisite information can be easily
procured: any of the superintendents, at either place, will gladly
direct the searcher, on receiving information as to his wants. Moreover,
it is permitted, under certain restrictions, to take sketches of
engravings or drawings, and from objects exhibited; aids to do this
readily present themselves.

Books, however, should be regarded only as auxiliaries; they will supply
in abundance material for suggestion or adaptation; although, as we have
already observed, "slavishly to copy, or systematically to imitate," are
evils to be avoided.

[Illustration]

FOOTNOTES:

[41-*] "Histoire de l'Art par les Monumens, depuis sa Decadence au
IV^{e.} Siecle jusqu'a son Renouvellement au XVI^{e.}"

GROTESQUE DESIGN, AS EXHIBITED IN ORNAMENTAL AND INDUSTRIAL ART.

GROTESQUE DESIGN, AS EXHIBITED IN ORNAMENTAL AND INDUSTRIAL ART.

Among the quaint terms in art to which definite meanings are attached,
but which do not in themselves convey any such definite construction, we
may class the term _grotesque_. The term _grotesque_ was first applied
as a generic appellation in the latter part of the fifteenth century,
when the "grottoes," or baths of ancient Rome, and the lowermos