"Surely you have seen this ware, Theo," asserted Mr. Croyden. "It comes in blue sage-green, or purple, and has upon it Grecian figures in white." Instantly a flash of recognition came into Theo's face. "Oh, I know it now!" he ejaculated. "Mother has a teapot of it at home." "That is more than likely," came cordially from Mr. Croyden. "At first, however, Wedgwood did not put the white figures on this ware; he merely mixed the coloring matter with the clay and got as a result a dull, opaque ware of green. Afterward he conceived the idea of making the pottery in other colors and decorating it with the Grecian, Italian, or Roman figures of which he had long before taken impressions. As this venture took form sculptors became interested in the project and lent their aid, so that by and by an entirely original ware was developed which has come down through history as one of the significant art contributions of the age. In addition to his Queen's ware, and Jasper ware, Wedgwood also made a black Egyptian-like ware called Basalt; another variety of cream-colored ware known as Bamboo; and a kind of terra-cotta that imitated granite." "Well, I should certainly think Wedgwood did his bit!" declared Theo. "Ah, but this was not all he did," retorted Mr. Croyden quickly. "His most important work I have not yet mentioned." "What was that?" "He invented two things of widely different nature which have been of the greatest practical value to our civilization ever since. One was a hard biscuit porcelain such as is used in laboratories, and for chemist's and pharmacist's utensils. This meant far greater convenience in the mixing and preparation of drugs and medicines." "And the other?" "The other was the glazing of common earthenware or terra-cotta drain-pipes. This non-aesthetic product was perhaps Wedgwood's greatest contribution to his time, for it revolutionized sanitation, and was a mighty step toward better living conditions. Surely no one can say that Josiah Wedgwood did not let his art serve his generation both from an artistic and a practical standpoint." [Illustration] CHAPTER VII PORCELAIN AT LAST Progress toward health now became quite rapid, for Theo, being a normal boy, the injured bone knit quickly, and before long Dr. Swift said: "I have sent for some crutches for you, son, and as soon as they come I see no reason why you should not be up and about. Of course you cannot expect to go hiking off over these rough trails; but you can certainly get out of bed and move about the camp." Theo's eyes sparkled. "My, but won't it seem good!" he sighed. "I am sure it will," answered the Doctor. "You have been very patient, Theo." "Going to get the invalid up, Doctor?" questioned Mr. Croyden, who had just poked his head in at the door. "Yes, just as soon as the crutches I have ordered from New York arrive." Mr. Croyden looked rueful.