I commenced this paper by saying: "Art, like poetry, is addressed to the world at large:" the pursuit of it has also many advantages; it refines the mind, gives pleasure and instruction, and, moreover, is the least egotistical of tastes.

The higher order of art, as I wrote some few years ago, is, moreover, the handmaid of religion, and many of the great masterpieces which adorn the collections of Europe owe their origin to the inspirations of piety, and have been for centuries, and are still, powerful aids to meditation and devotion. Art has, and ever will have, a high and noble mission to fulfil.

Moreover, it is not the mere graceful work of art on which you look, whatever the pleasure which it excites, that is alone valuable; but the knowledge gained therefrom of the early art history of other countries, which adds to the ceramic collector's gratification and instruction.

In conclusion-though far more might be written on the interesting subject of ceramic art, time and space admitting, I would briefly desire to name that, being recently in the capital of the Czar, I

purchased a few figures, for the most part representing the characteristic costumes and, I may add, failings of the Russian lower class.

They are modelled in somewhat rough porcelain, unglazed but painted; the costumes, however, are "true" to the very facts, and the lifelike expression of the faces is inimitable. What then? I showed these specimens to a clever dealer, and he perfectly agreed with me in all I said on the subject; adding, however, “They are Russian, and, notwithstanding the great interest they possess as most graphic specimens of modern art in Russia, I do not think they would remunerate an English dealer; as none but those who really esteem clever modelling would purchase them, save as curiosities."

Thanking him, I remarked, "They will do well to place in the New Bric-à-Brac Shop,' which is at hand."

It is impossible to close these pages without a final word with reference to the new fashion, or whatever it may be termed, as regards the present mania-not, it appears to me, so much for works of art as for buying and selling.

I

CHAPTER XV.

CONCLUSION.

THEREFORE draw my sword to battle

against the absurd taste for that which is called old English china, or the collection of marks. Let us endeavour to substitute a better feeling and thereby obtain a better specimen. He that desires to obtain a ceramic collection in proportion to the value of the money which he has paid for it, has the pleasure to himself, and others who are permitted to enjoy a sight of his gathered treasures, must look for design, drawing, modelling, and colouring, and not depend on marks, recollecting that a forgery is always marked. I say this for the benefit of the novice; one who really understands and loves pure art and beauty is not easily deceived. For my part, I believe, having seen and examined as much or more ceramic specimens than many collectors both at home and abroad,—and I honestly

confess that in other days I have been more than. once taken in by forged marks; but of late I have learned the lesson of looking solely to art and beauty, outline, correct modelling; and then I care. not whence the specimen comes, whether from Petersburg or Nantiglo.

Meanwhile my cottage home is surrounded, I may say, with lovers and collectors of ceramic art. In their collections you will find no printed cups, whether the marks be Plymouth or Worcester, Chelsea or Bristol. I would be permitted in all. courtesy to name Mr. Saunders, of Ravenscourtterrace, Hammersmith, the possessor, not only of a most valuable collection * of splendid Chelsea. figures, probably unequalled elsewhere; but also. the owner of some very fine Bueno Retiro and Copenhagen china, in my humble opinion, equal to the finest Dresden.

Mr. Oriel Walton, of Twickenham-park, has also a very charming collection, well selected,— not an article of rubbish among it. Mr. H. Bohn's collection at Twickenham is grand in amount,. * Recently sold. + A portion also recently sold.

selection, and value; as also Dr. Diamond's, of Twickenham, who unfortunately lost some of his finest specimens at the fire in the Alexandra Palace. Nevertheless a charming collection might still be weeded from the mass of ceramic art of which he is the fortunate owner. Then let me name some of the leading dealers in London, men of the highest respectability and honour-such men as Davies of Pall Mall, Myers of New Bond-street, Wareham of Castle-street, and Interlacken, Kingstreet, St. James's-square, and numerous others. I take it such men are not readily deceived by forged marks, nor will you find aught in their shops that is not fit to decorate the mantelpiece of a palace, or the boudoir of the lady of your love.

Now let me turn to the vast number of ordinary dealers, but doubtless very honourable men. In giving my humble opinion in reference to ceramic art, I should grieve to think that I had written a word tending to injure the sale of their articles, or in any way endeavour to question their knowledge. But when I enter a shop (of which there are scores), and find dozens of sheep, lambs, and shepherds of