We have, and have always had, ample specimens of these self-elected teachers and speakers; and they receive with us, in general, about the same neglectful consideration accorded to them by the Barbarians. On a review, it must be admitted that the Western tribes are ingenious in domestic arts, and not wanting in invention. In the fine Arts they are sometimes effective, though immoral--merely imitating the ancient Roman-Greeks, whom they call _Masters_. Their architecture, when worth attention, is Roman. But they have produced one novelty, _the Gothic_--a wonderful outgrowth of the Barbaric mind, formed by its great Superstition. In painting, when confined to natural scenery and objects, they are sometimes very pleasing and correct. But in this department, where they are not immoral, they are often repulsive, seeking for startling effects, caught from the strongest passions. True Art elevates, refines, and pleases. It never lends itself to _deformity_, to the bad passions, to baseness. And it cannot sully _itself_ by tampering with impure things. It recognises the twofold nature of man, and addresses itself to his _moral instinct_ and love of divine beauty. CHAPTER IX. OF AMUSEMENTS, GAMES, AND SPECTACLES. When the lowest-caste takes a _holiday_, decent people keep away from the place of resort, as they would from pestilence. The coarseness, indecency, and uncleanliness are too revolting. Not that they really differ in the ways of enjoying themselves; but from their personal brutishness. The remarks following refer to those above them, and to the great body of the _people_, when at spectacles and public resorts. To me, unaccustomed to it, the presence of women everywhere perplexed and surprised. In days of sports, eating, drinking beer, gin, and other drinks, romping of the sexes, and an incessant restlessness, are very noticeable. In the open grounds, all kinds of sports and games are going on; women and men dance, whirl about upon seats, rush after and chase each other, swing in swings, all in a wild revelry! There will be games where the woman is now pursued, and now the man; and now shouting, screaming, giggling, struggling and kissing, men and women rush after each other, catch each other; and then, reforming in ranks, go through the same wild pranks again. The chief out-door sports are horse-racing, boat-racing, hunting upon horseback, bats and balls, foot-races, and the like. In-door: the theatres, the dancing-halls, the circus, and a great variety of shows and spectacles. Women attend upon all, and take a part in all--or nearly all. In the theatre, the circus, the dances, and many other places and things, they take the most conspicuous parts.