“Chantrey believed that the mind and morals are improved by the contemplation of beautiful objects.”  Who could have supposed it?  “Chantrey was convinced that variety in building, if under the guidance of good sense and propriety, tends much to the beauty of a country.”  Is it possible?  “Chantrey believed that all which has been done may be exceeded when genius and ability are equal to the task, for as Raphael has surpassed the lay-figure art of most of his predecessors, so no reason exists why Raphael should not be surpassed.”  Had he never spoken again, this idea would have procured him a niche next to Francis Bacon.  The sculptor actually believed that even the glories of the past may be outdone when there are genius and ability enough in the world to surpass them!  Will Mr. Jones favor us with the day and precise moment at which this wonderful conception entered the great sculptor’s mind?  We should like to record it.  “Chantrey felt that the blind adoration of right and wrong was likely to mislead the public.”  We really think we have heard the remark before.  “Chantrey referred every object to the Creator of all, and admired without limit the works of the Great Artificer, from the smallest leaf to the noblest production, and in his mundane calling aimed at an imitation of that excellence of beauty which nature has displayed.”  There is nothing like getting at the idiosyncrasies of the famous.  Since Chantrey, according to Jones, has set the example of referring creation to a creator, and of studying nature when be wished to imitate her, we can only trust that the practice may henceforward be universally adopted.  Chantrey was of opinion—­no, we mistake, this is Jones’ own—­Jones is of opinion that “although the literary education of artists ought to be as extensive as possible, yet they may sometimes require the assistance of those whose opportunities and abilities have enabled them to make a deeper research.”  Finely said.  Jones is a case in point.  We do not know the extent of his literary education, but whatever it be, the assistance of Lindley Murray would, we are certain, be of infinite service to him at this moment.

We forget how many thousands of pounds, poor Chantrey left to the Royal Academy.  Jones never tires of lauding the Academy by referring to the munificent bequests; yet this, we repeat, is the return made by that favored institution, in the person of one of its chief members, to the no less distinguished and generous donor.  The life of Chantrey would not have been difficult in the hands of a moderately informed artist.  “Dear Jones, we wanted a man of taste (d—­n taste), we mean judgment,” and your professed regard for your friend should not have rested content until it had found one.

* * * * *

SONG.

BY R. H. STODDARD.

  I’ve left my native home afar,
    Beyond the dark blue main;
  And many a mouth may come and go
    Ere I return again: 
  But months and years must come and go
    As rolling waves depart,
  Ere I forget to give you all
    A home within my heart!