perhaps, been times when even the influence of Majesty would have

been ineffectual, and it is pleasing to reflect that we are thus

embodied, when every circumstance seems to concur from which honour

and prosperity can probably arise.

There are at this time a greater number of excellent artists than

were ever known before at one period in this nation; there is a

general desire among our nobility to be distinguished as lovers and

judges of the arts; there is a greater superfluity of wealth among

the people to reward the professors; and, above all, we are

patronised by a monarch, who, knowing the value of science and of

elegance, thinks every art worthy of his notice that tends to

soften and humanise the mind.

After so much has been done by his Majesty, it will be wholly our

fault if our progress is not in some degree correspondent to the

wisdom and, generosity of the institution; let us show our

gratitude in our diligence, that, though our merit may not answer

his expectations, yet, at least, our industry may deserve his

protection.

But whatever may be our proportion of success, of this we may be

sure, that the present institution will at least contribute to

advance our knowledge of the arts, and bring us nearer to that

ideal excellence which it is the lot of genius always to

contemplate and never to attain.

The principal advantage of an academy is, that, besides furnishing

able men to direct the student, it will be a repository for the

great examples of the art. These are the materials on which genius

is to work, and without which the strongest intellect may be

fruitlessly or deviously employed. By studying these authentic

models, that idea of excellence which is the result of the

accumulated experience of past ages may be at once acquired, and