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prevailed when those pntrs lived whose work we would exclusively admire, a rage for antiquities remains would have consigned those then moderns who have become our ancients, to an ill-fated oblivion. The best periods in every country are those in which the talent is commended for what it is, loved the more because it is living to share in the bliss of those who cherish it. Let the monuments, therefore, which are erected to the memory of dead, only teach us to admire & emulate their virtues among the living.

[[left margin]] Support your real live artists [[/left margin]]

[[left margin]] Portraits are very honorable [[/left margin]]

*Portr. pntg, being almost the only branch of the art which is encouraged in Am., is entitled to a few remarks. It is customary for professed [[strikethrough]] connesseuers [[/strikethrough]] connisseurs, both in this country & in Eng., studious only of their own enjoyment in their thirst after novelty, to depreciate [[right margin]] [[?]] [[/strikethrough]] the claims of portr. pntg in the encomiums of history w/o recollecting that the most celebrated historical ptrs have been executed by those pntrs who have acquired the greatest truth & accuracy in the practice of portr. pntg. & that the portr. which are introduced into history constitute its chief attraction. 

[[left margin]] this already on usable [[quote?]] [[?]] [[/left margin]]

The Br. govt has recently commenced a public fund for the purpose of forming a gallery for the portr. of characters who have been distinguished in Br. hist. These will

Transcription Notes:
"Portr. pntg" might be short for "Portrait painting".