have done so only through their own exertions and industry, and frequently at considerable sacrifice to personal convenience.
Even under the most favorable circumstances, with inherent talent and exceptional advantages of tuition, unqualified success is only attain after many wear years of honest endeavor and a well directed, sustained effort.
It is a very grave mistake to suppose that any one can learn to paint china successfully, skilfully, and professionally in a given number of lessons, or become and expert in any specified time. China-painting cannot be picked up at random, like the latest pattern in patchwork ; nor can it be evolved from any esoteric source, by the exercise of some cabalistic signs. Those who "know it all" in ten lessons can hardly be depended upon to elevate the art, or to give instruction to others. As in every other work worth achieving, much depends on natural capacity and cultivated observations, together with the amount of time and labor bestowed in serious study. One's environment and associations enter largely into the element of ultimate success ; for undoubtedly one's surroundings exercise a potent influence in the development of artistic intuitions. It is an art, however, well worth any amount of time and attention conferred, and abundantly repays the efforts it entails.
