As a general rule let your modelled work be drawn to a natural size, and let it be rather over than under the natural size, for if modelled work is smaller than nature, the effect is apt to be petty and insignificant.  Birds and insects can often be introduced with advantage.

I have recently been modelling some large works, using clay employed in making drain tiles, and having them fired in an ordinary brick kiln.  In fact, I started some of my work with large size drain tiles, which I obtained when they were quite wet, and by pulling up the top and spreading it out a little, and putting a slab of clay on the bottom, I obtained cylindrical vases, upon which I modelled some decoration; but as the subject is one of peculiar interest, and is somewhat new to my readers, I must just reserve a few remarks upon this subject for another occasion, when I will give sketches of some of the vases I have recently been modelling.  This work is within the reach of everyone, especially my country readers, for there are few villages of any size that have not a brick kiln in their vicinity, and for large work, such as ornamental flower-pots, vases for holding bulrushes, and garden vases, this is most admirably adapted.

Footnote: 

[2] As will be seen, the tile design, fig. 1, is what is termed a “bas relief,” i.e., the forms in many cases are only just relieved from the ground, and only here and there are any of the forms in entire relief.

[Illustration]

LOVE ON, LOVE EVER.

By Ruth Lamb.

“Love not, love not, ye hapless sons of earth.”

    How world-worn must have been the weary heart
    When this sad strain belied its noblest part! 
    What!  Bid us cease to love!  Why life were pain
    If this best attribute were given in vain.

    Cease not to love.  O, wherefore shouldst thou scorn
    The flowers thy path beside, to cull the thorn? 
    Or heed the man who, all unblest with sight,
    Counsels his fellow-man to shun the light?

    Gazing around, ’tis ever hard to trace
    The Maker’s image in the Creature’s face. 
    Seek it not there.  That image wouldst thou prove,
    Know the Divine gleams through our works of love.

    If cruel Death a dear one rend away,
    Let thy love follow; do not with the clay
    Bury thy heart.  Soar higher.  Wherefore bow? 
    Yesterday’s mortal is immortal now.

    If thy life’s labour meet with scant return,
    Thou who hast wrought it should’st be last to mourn. 
    Nay more, rejoice.  Each unpaid debt of love
    Is so much treasure garnered up above.

    Let cold ingratitude bring no dismay,
    But rather aid thee on thy heavenward way. 
    Work on, love on, aye to increase the debt;
    Thy God is not unrighteous to forget.