appear to some impossible, but it is, on the other hand, very possible and sure to come in the immediate future.  It is true that, as a nation, we are not artistic, but we might change our character in a single generation.  It has taken less than a single generation to develop the enormous increase of Art which we now see around us in the upper classes.  Think of such a thing as house decoration and furniture.  We have to extend this development into regions where it is as yet unfelt, and among a class which have, as yet, shown no willingness or desire for such extension.

All this has been said by way of apology for the practical scheme which I venture now to lay before you.  You have already heard from Mr. Leland’s own lips what has been for five years his work in Philadelphia, you have heard how he has brought the small arts into hundreds of homes, and has given purpose and brightness to hundreds of lives.  I have followed this work of his from the beginning with the greatest interest.  Before he began it, he told me what he was going to try, and how he meant to try.  But I think that, courageous and self-reliant as he is, he did not and could not, at tho outset, anticipate such a magnificent success as he has obtained.  You have also heard something of the society called the Cottage Arts Association, founded by Mrs. Jebb, by which the villagers are taught some of the minor arts.

This Association is, I am convinced, going to do a great work, and I am very glad to be able to read you Mrs. Jebb’s own testimony, the fruit of her long experience.  She says, ’We must give the people—­children of course included—­opportunities of unofficial intercourse with those who already love Art, and who can help them to see and to discriminate.  We must teach them to use their own hands and eyes in doing actual Art work; even if the work done does not count for much, it will develop their observation and quicken their appreciation in a way which I believe nothing else will do—­no mere looking or explaining.  They must be helped to make their own homes and the things they use beautiful.  They must not be helped only to learn to do Art work, but also given ideas as to its application, shown how and where to get materials, etc.  Further, it has been resolved that prizes shall be given to the pupils for the best copies drawn, modelled, carved, or repousse of the casts and designs circulated among the various classes.’

I propose, therefore, that, with such modifications as suit our own way of working, we should initiate on a more extended scale the example set us by Mrs. Jebb and Mr. Leland.  I think that it would not be difficult, while retaining the machinery and the help afforded by the South Kensington Department in painting and drawing, to establish local clubs, classes, and societies, or, which I think much better, a central society with local branches, either for the whole of England or for each county or for each great city,