“How delightful to be able thus to study symmetry and the principles of real beauty from the Divine hand, and these applied in almost endless variety!—for the Great Creator has sown these broadcast through nature in the rocks beneath our feet. "Though the simple elements of matter yet known to science are few, still they exist in innumerable combinations, modifying the crystalline forms of each other, and thus in every locality new beauties may be found. "We know of no more real, refined and exalted enjoyment than may be obtained of a winter's evening, when the shutters are closed, while the storm rages without, by using a microscope with a strong condensed light on these exquisite forms. The gorgeous colours and half tints of some of our polished ornamental stones are thus really brought into view. The crystallization of silver, copper, and other metals as well as that of numerous chemical salts afford instruction as well as delight, for while one sees the lines running out into dentritic and other symmetric forms under the instrument, one cannot but feel that the field of thought is expanding that the minute here seen is the key or index of the majestic-that by the same laws of crystallization the ancient Tors, the Alps, the Andes, and the Himalayas of the world are structured and held together." Having lingered so long on microscopic and metallic crystals formed of angular lines, we must return to one or two illustrations of the power of gradual variation. Attention has often been called to the dove as possessing and illustrating all the elements of loveliness. It is small, round, smooth: what variety of form!-what exquisite changes of tint! As it moves in the flashing light it is indeed very beautiful! So beautiful, that, by unerring instinct, maternal affection adopts its name as a term of endearment, and calls the child she clasps to her heart," a little dove." A toad is ugly in form, but its eye is most beautiful. It is like a dark but brilliant gem set in golden beads. Our great national poet says,"Sweet are the uses of adversity; Which like the toad, ugly and venemous, Wears yet a precious jewel in his head." The human eye, small, round, smooth, varying, sparkling, is beautiful. A face not well formed may be made lovely and fascinating by the brilliance of the eye; many a dull countenance becomes interesting, expressive, and winsome when lit up by the pure soul that beams through it. The best cosmetic is the blush of modesty and the white purity of a noble mind and loving heart. Goodness and gentleness as they are the brightest gems in the crown of woman, so are they her truest and most abiding beauty. ELEMENTS.- -SECTION IV.: DELICACY. Robustness and strength do not raise in us the وو sense of beauty. If beauty be associated with muscular strength, as I think it may, then we prefix an adjective and speak of "manly beauty.' Delicate and almost fragile things are beautiful, as hoar-frost, fine lace, and the innumerable flowers. A writer whom it is the fashion of the age to ridicule, and by those who have not half his genius or grace of diction, says : "Behold that fragile form of delicate-transparent beauty, Whose light blue eyes and hectic cheeks are lit by the bale fires of decline; All droopingly she lieth, as a dew-laden lily, The flaxen tresses, rashly luxuriant, dank with unhealthy moisture; Hath not thy heart said of her, alas! poor child of weakness?" Fragile and delicate beauty awakens in a sensitive nature the gentler emotions of pity and tender love. We don't call the oak, the cedar, and the lofty forest-trees beautiful; they are majestic, and solemn is their deep shadow. The myrtle, jasmine, and the orange are beautiful, whose blossoms never look so chaste as when they adorn the brow of a lovely bride. Among animals, a greyhound is more graceful than a bull-dog, and an Arabian horse than a war-charger; in the former we have beauty, in the latter power. It always excites my astonishment to see a young and elegant man choosing to be followed by a ferocious bull-dog. Surely there is incongruity when a gentleman and a bull-dog walk together. Objects not naturally beautiful become so by The association unto those who appreciate their peculiar This opinion was held so far back as the times of Socrates, who suggested, that "beauty may consist in the fitness and suitableness of any object to the place it occupies; or in utility."*-Lord Jeffrey's Essays, p. 15. In a lecture recently delivered, Henry Weekes, Esq., R.A., stated, in the course of his remarks, the opinions of Plato, Socrates, Reynolds, Burke, and others, and pointed out the distinction between that which possesses beauty and the essence of beauty itself; and observed that "beauty and usefulness were combined in nature, each having a purpose. Taking fitness of purpose as an essential of beauty, he said that he would be compelled to admit that all * Perhaps this love of pigs may be carried too far. For it is said that on a great review-day, when the soldiers of the line mingled with the yeomanry, it was observed that a brave farmer had his breast starred with medals. This circumstance excited the attention of the regular soldiers, who appreciate their honours and are jealous of shams; so they went up to the jolly farmer as he sat proudly mounted on a good horse, and asked him for which engagements he had obtained his medals. "Engagements! said the honest man, as his capacious breast swelled with manly pride, “Engagements! nonsense, they are prizes for fat cattle at the agricultural show, to be sure." things in nature were beautiful, for all things were suited, and well suited, to their purpose. Having followed out the theory that the love of the beautiful was an instinct placed not only in us but in other animal beings, he further stated that from an examination of man they would find him in every respect "constructed with perfect fitness for his purpose." |