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"Unskilled to trace

The naked nature and the living grace,
With gold and jewels cover every part,

And hide, with ornament, their want of art."

The fantastic and capricious architect, without science or taste, may in his wild and extravagant designs sometimes please the ignorant, but "will often make the judicious grieve."

Although, in my remarks on architecture, I have alluded to the want of taste in design, I am happy to state that, in execution, we have many examples of excellent workmanship; and even in design, we have made a visible improvement, in many parts of our country, within a few years. We have genius and talent; and nothing is now wanting, but a due degree of encouragement to develop their powers. We are gradually discarding the frippery of Roman ornament, and are adopting the pure and chaste style of the Greeks. Already have we examples from the Parthenon, the Temple of Illyssus, and other classical designs of that refined and illustrious people. There is a dignity, a breadth of effect, and repose in the Grecian architecture, so happily adapted to the simplicity of our republican institutions, that I hope ere long to see it generally adopted in all our public edifices. Abounding, as our country does, from Maine to Florida, from the Atlantic to the lakes, with materials of the finest quality for building, with materials for able architects, and skilful workmen,-who will say that the generations which come after us will not leave behind them memorials of the genius, taste and skill of enlightened freemen, which will vie with the proudest efforts of Athens or Corinth!

* "The great superiority of the Greeks in Architecture is to be traced to causes similar to those which occasioned their preeminence in every thing else; namely, a deep investigation into first principles,-an accurate perception of the elements of all that they attempted to execute." (See Elmes's Lectures on Architecture.)

While so much depends upon the talent and skill of the architect, it is obvious that no considerations of a pecuniary nature, should deprive the man of genius of a liberal compensation for his services. While our rich capitalists are on their guard against the visionary projects of greedy speculators, and architectural quacks, let them patronize the man of science, and the skilful workman.

Not only may the rich capitalist show his regard for the arts by rewarding talent; but the mechanic, who labours in the subordinate departments of the arts, has it in his power, by supporting with zeal and fidelity the man of genius whose designs he carries into effect, to render an important service to the community and the arts. The operative mechanic is to the architect, what soldiers are to the commander of an army: without able and faithful workmen, the best devised plans may fail of success, or be imperfectly executed.

It may be thought that the study of architecture is of little use to any but those who are immediately concerned in building; but this is an erroneous idea; there is scarcely a profession, in which it is not directly or indirectly of importance. The knowledge of its proportions and ornaments has given to many articles, manufactured in Great Britain, a decided superiority over those of other nations less conversant with the science. The proper application of its ornaments, aided by the science of chemistry, enabled Mr. Wedgewood to carry on the porcelain manufacture, to a degree of perfection and elegance, till then unknown in Europe, affording sufficient proof of the utility of this art, in professions apparently unconnected with it. The smith, the cabinet maker, the turner, the founder, and in short every workman whose business it is to give form to rude materials, will find it highly advantageous to devote a portion of his time to the study of this sublime and useful art.

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The great benefits to be derived from a knowledge of the first principles of the arts we practise, are too obvious to need further illustration. Let us endeavour then to obtain them. In addition to our other appropriations, let us create a fund for the purpose of disseminating, among our fraternity, a knowledge of the sciences. We may thus lay a foundation for an institution, which, at some future period, will redound to the honour not only of our association, but to the city and country in which we live.

The mechanics of New York have founded a "mechanic and scientific institution," which was incorporated in 1822. Its plan is similar to those established in Great Britain. Professor Griscom, a gentleman of science, and well known as the author of a very interesting tour in Europe, has delivered to its members, three winters successively, a course of lectures on mechanical philosophy, and chemistry, to general acceptance.

The mechanics and manufacturers of Philadelphia have also turned their attention towards this subject, and meetings have been held in that city, for the purpose of forming an institution, similar to that in New-York;-for the want of sufficient data, I am unable to state what encouragement the project has received. There cannnot be a doubt however, that, if not already formed, an institution will soon be established, for aiding the progress of the mechanic arts in that populous and respectable

city.

There is no way by which instruction can be conveyed with so much facility, as by public lectures. Knowledge, imparted in this manner, is more generally attractive, and more easily retained, than when received in the ordinary method by the use of books. Lectures on Architecture, Chemistry, Mineralogy, and the various application of the mechanical powers, illustrated by suitable experi

mental apparatus, would not fail, as I believe, of attracting, the attention, not only of our master mechanics, but of our journeymen and apprentices.

This plan, if duly patronized, would possess a twofold advantage; it would be the means of imparting much useful information, in an economical manner, and prevent many from resorting, for amusement, to the pleasures of sense ;-inducing them to substitute, for the fashionable vices and follies of the day, the delights of intellectual and refined society.

THE APPRENTICES' LIBRARY, established in this city, and which is under the supervision of our Association, is an institution, which, if judiciously managed, is calculated to have a beneficial effect on the minds and morals of those who enjoy its privileges. As a proof of the high estimation in which APPRENTICES LIBRARIES are held, we have only to notice the increasing popularity of them throughout our country and even England, in this instance, has not disdained to copy from her descendants. To Boston belongs the honour of having been the first to establish this valuable institution. It is to be regretted, however, that our Library does not contain a greater number of works of real value.

If, instead of encumbering its shelves with mere trash;-books which are seldom read, and, if read, are of no practical utility,-the donors would place on them valuable standard works, on science and the arts ;-on history, geography and ethics, the usefulness of the institution would be greatly enhanced.

Another important object, contemplated by our institution, is the cultivation of a good understanding among its members, in relation to apprentices. The reciprocal obligations which exist among us in this respect, should be scrupulously adhered to, by all. In our professional career, it is our duty to sustain each other; to pay a due deference to the rights of individuals; and, as far as in us lies, to promote the

common welfare and prosperity of our fraternity. Is one of our number more highly gifted by nature with talents; does he possess superior intellectual attainments; is he more highly favoured by fortune, than ourselves? instead of envying him his superior advantages, let us rejoice that our institution is honoured by such a man; let us entertain towards him, no other sentiments than those of friendship, affection and respect.

In the various domestic relations, it should be our sedulous care to sustain the character of sober and exemplary citizens. Industry, uprightness, and punctuality in our dealings, are necessary to our prosperity and happiness in life. If we would gain the respect of the wise and good, we must respect ourselves.

In the exercise of that heavenly attribute, CHARITY, one of the prime objects, for which our institution was formed, what a delightful opportunity is presented for the exercise of the kindlier feelings! and how true is it, that the pleasure thence arising is reciprocal. Charity

"is twice blessed,

It blesseth him that gives, and him that takes."

It is unnecessary for me, at this time, to recount to you the various instances, in which our funds have caused the tear of gratitude to glisten in the eye of the bereaved widow, and the destitute orphan.

What can be more grateful to a benevolent mind, than to witness the benign effects of this greatest of virtues on the sons and daughters of affliction. For nearly thirty years, have the funds of our institution, like the silent river, that fertilizes the soil through which it passes, continued to pour its gladdening streams among the families of the deceased members of our Association.

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