WE might call art a species of language, practised in its highest form in most highly civilised countries and used in its rudest and lowest form by unenlightened beings, whose needs and aspirations are so grovelling as to extend no further perhaps than to seeking a bare bodily sustenance only as nature demands it and entailing often a display of ferocity and revenge. This state of things gives free play to the lower nature, but there is nothing in this mode of living to awaken the higher nature which lies dormant. What a great revolution education, with all its lofty and sacred associations, would work in one of these beings-bring. ing gradually into activity the higher faculties of his mind. In proportion as his soul aspired to higher things-beauty, truth, and goodness-so would his hatred of baser things increase; thus bringing the powers which govern his lower self into subjection. What has education for its aim but this consummation? There are beings who do not concern themselves regarding nature in all her varying aspects, it is to them as a closed book, nor do any of the finer impulses which move the soul find a place in their composition; their all-absorbing interest in life is amassing wealth so that come what may, they can snap their fingers at misfortune-perhaps even survive the shaking of earth to its foundation. But from among all sorts and conditions of men, nationality making no difference, nature chooses her teachers,-beings gifted with that keen appreciation of the beautiful truths which they alone can discover. These individuals live in close intercourse with nature, ever watching and studying her varying moods, whether in landscape or individual; they have something to tell to the world-it may be a pure sentiment in a face, underlying a rough exterior, unseen by the crowd, but laid hold of by one of these-nature's own teachers, and set forth by means of art, to the astonished gaze of multitudes to whom it is a revelation; although to many more it may still remain obscure. Why do we cause our young people to study mathematics, sciences, etc.? not surely because it is the fashion, but that it may strengthen and enlarge their minds. In like manner the study of pure art, considered on its lower side, sharpens the perceptions and strengthens the memory; but better than this, its higher aspect shows it to be ennobling-making the mind purer and richer. Why should not the world endeavour to make this as important a branch of study as others, and then if individual capacity reaches no further than to enable them to love and appreciate this language when they see it, if it does no more, a great deal will have been gained. If great thoughts influence the world for good, then how much more would they, when expressed in colour on canvasgiving us, we might almost say, a living representation of them to be handed down to prosperity. H. Thacker, Printer, Geelong. FIRST-CLASS LIVERY STABLES, First-class Accommodation for Travellers.. VICTORIAN DYE & CLEANING WORKS. Gentlemen's Clothes Cleaned & Dyed. Ladies' Dresses also done, all shades. Lace Curtains Cleaned and Re-Dyed. CHARGES MODERATE. W. GRUTZNER, 221, Moorabool Street, Geelong, OUR GRANVILLE CYCLES. THE ROYAL GRANVILLE RACER. THE IMPERIAL GRANVILLE RACER. THE POPULAR GRANVILLE_RACER. THE POPULAR GRANVILLE ROADSTER. BEST QUALITY GUARANTEED FROM £17 10s. Sole Agents: W. Box & Sons, Moorabool-st., Geelong. NOTHING IN THE OLD RUT BUT SOMETHING POSITIVELY NEW. W. H. EDWARDS HAS ARRIVED AT RYRIE WITH THE ST., Sterling, Rover, Raglan & Vanguard Cycles from £16 16s. PICTURES FRAMED & PHOTOS ENLARGED. DICKINS & SONS, Nos. 89 to 93 MERCER STREET, GEELONG. Tubular and other descriptions of Iron Gates for Carriage Entrances, Stations, Gardens, and Farm purposes. Wrought and Cast Iron Railings of various designs for Building. D. & Sons have on hand a very large assortment of Wrought and Cast Iron Enclosures for Graves. Estimates for Bridge Work & General Contracting. SMITHS' WORK IN GENERAL. Makers of Shaw's Patent Self-opening Gate & Post Lifters, GEELONG COOPERAGE. Wine Casks (Round or Oval) àll Sizes, Made to Order. BUTTER BOXES A SPECIALTY. ALEX WALLACE & CO., 22 181 MOORABOOL STREET. WHOLESALE AND RETAIL Grocers & Wine & Spirit Merchants. DUVOISIN, Blacksmith, Shoer, &c. Corner Clarence and Pakington Streets, GEELONG WEST. A & BRATLEY, (From London, and late with ' McBean & Son, Melbourne.) Practical Chronometer, Watch & Clock Maker, Jeweller, Optician, and Silversmith, 467 MOORABOOL ST., SOUTH GEELONG, NEAR BARWON BRIDGE. Watch Work a specialty. All kinds of Horological Work done on the Premises. A Twelve Months guarantee given for all Watch and Clock Work. Chaff, Grain & Produce Merchant, Steam Chaff Cutting and Hydraulic Pressing Works. Mercer St., Cavendish St., and Brougham Place, GEELONG; and opposite Railway Station, WALLACE (near Ballarat). THE BEST IS ALWAYS THE CHEAPEST. McPhillimy Bros. Cough Drops ARE THE BEST REMEDY FOR COUGHS & COLDS. EVERY LOZENGE STAMPED MCPHILLIMY BROS. ASK FOR MCPHILLIMY BROS. ONLY. |