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equally surprising, that but few attempts have as yet been made to correct
an evil so generally prevalent.
There are men of abilities, who think it beneath them to paint flowers, and
affect to treat that branch of the art with contempt. Of such, I have only
to observe, that they are total strangers to the pleasure the mind receives
from the study of nature.
With what raptures does the almost inspired Hervey display the beauties of
a flower-garden! The imagination is warmed at the description of such elevated
ideas; and can it be supposed that the pleasure of the mind is less, in producing
upon the canvass an exact representation of such perfection? There is a secret
pleasure in copying minutely this part of the creation, which none but those
who are capable of doing it, feel; therefore, to treat with indifference,
or to think the imitation of nature in this part of her works beneath the
notice of a great genius, is at once to give up one of the purest and most
interesting sources of mental improvement and enjoyment.
The various beauties which are to be found in every part of Nature's works,
present so wide a field for the mind to contemplate, that it may be doubted
whether any other art, or science, can afford so much gratification and pleasure
to the student:  therefore, instead of being contented with merely painting
a flower to decorate a flower-pot, or a border for a table -- which sometimes
cost ladies much time and expence in attaining -- how much.
K