[ ]

make a fmooth grain, and free from blemifhcs.
In any part where a very dark color is wanted,
to draw the chalk fmartly once, or twice, the
contrary way to the grain will produce the
defired effect.

We have now attended to the materials ufed
in this art; and to the method of ufing them;
it is natural to introduce a few reflexions
relative to thofe fubje&s whereon we mean
to employ them ; for it is undeniably certain
that all fubjects are not to be indifcrimi-
nately ftudied, or imitated; fince many, fo far
from meriting attention, excite averfion.

Mofb productions of nature or art may be
confidered as fubjecr to the Ikill of a defigner;
fome for their elegance, others for their utility.
The ucility of a thing depends on the wants of
thofe to whom it is ufeful; and thofe wants are
various as the .r ations, the individuals, the oc-
currences, under heaven. Elegance is an ad-
vance on utility: what is neceffary is an object
of defire previous to what is refined or polite;
but no fooner are the neceflities of mankind
fupplied, than they turn their thoughts to what-
ever appears convenient, agreeable, or orna-
mental.

Our prefent attention is engaged on an art
which claims the higheft elegance; which tho*
fimple in its operation, and eafy in practice,

yet