most prominent features are carelessly done, and details are omitted altogether ; and a tracing done in this manner is utterly useless.
If tracing is to indulged in, from whatever motive as a time or labor saving device, it should be perfect to be available and of any real assistance. There should be no wavering, hesitating lines ; but every stroke should mean something. No marks made at random will be of any assistance. The tracing-lines should be exactly over the copy, of a thin, fine, even, uniform quality, and should never deviate from any of these attributes. As long as tracing is depended upon wholly for designs, the decorations will be restricted to a more or less faithful copy of those furnished by others. But if the lack of previous practice and training disqualifies the amateur for creating or designing original work, it does not necessarily preclude the possibility of infusing some individuality in the form of decoration or mode of treatment.
To reproduce a perfect copy is severe discipline ; it trains the perceptive faculties ; and , in fact, both head and hand must work in unison. Those who have no other opportunities nor advantages of studying art can learn a great deal by copying the work of other.
A correct copy is the initial step towards prog-
