since, while selecting and drawing from the casts of antique gems, for a publication that has since appeared, I was called upon to make designs for the "Flim Flams," a work of an entirely opposite character. Having never paid any attention to the ludicrous in art, it was rather in compliance with the wishes of the author of that work, than with any expectation of success that I produced my specimens. Their reception was favourable, and a hint from an ingenious friend on the use which might be made of the word Taking," was a stimulus to further practice; of which you now see the result.

To some of these designs I have endeavoured to give a whimsical turn, others are in accordance with the strict meaning of the phrase; each may be considered a theme for the pen as well as for the pencil. They were produced at different periods of time, which accounts for the variations of style and costume, but which no ways affects their original intention. Several additions have been lately made, with a view to render them conformable to a succession of events poetically narrated.

The Gentleman who has undertaken that part of the publication, has long amused the town both in prose and in verse; but without offering himself by name as a candidate for their regard. I shall be very happy if these Sketches should prove the means of introducing his talents in a more direct form to the attention they deserve.

In the Preface, I have endeavoured to bring together such observations as have at various times occurred to me upon the comic or ludicrous in art, rather with a view to point out the fertility of the subject to those whose leisure and abilities may enable them to afford the Public an ample and a connected history of Caricature, than with any expectation that either my powers or my opportunities would suffice for such a purpose; and I shall therefore deem myself fortunate, if I simply escape censure for obtruding upon the province of the critical and the erudite.

R. DAGLEY.

MISCELLANEOUS OBSERVATIONS.

ON THE

LUDICROUS IN ART.

IT cannot be foreign to a work of this kind

to notice the emotion of the mind connected with the Ludicrous. Many wise aphorisms, and many sententious observations have been made upon laughter, some objecting to its folly, others endeavouring to trace its origin. But whatever may be the opinion of men as to the cause or the objects of this emotion, it is sufficient to know that a muscle is provided for its display, which makes a characteristic distinction between the human countenance and that of brutes.

Solomon has indeed said of laughter, that "it is mad :" yet the same wise man has de

a

clared that "there is a time for all things." There are different kinds of laughter, and the laugh of one man no more resembles that of another, than his countenance or disposition does. There is the broad honest laugh of humour, there is the laugh of scorn and derision, there is the laugh of triumph, and the laugh of sheer folly; it is true, there are men of such" vinegar aspects," that they will not discompose the gravity of their features on any occasion," though Nestor swear the jest be laughable." Whether this is owing to the conformation, or to the degree of strength or weakness of that organ, known by the name of the Zygomaticus Major, or risible muscle, it is not our business to inquire; certain it is, that this description of people would put down laughing by act of parliament, were it in their power to do so.

A laugh out of its place, at an improper object, or indulged at the expense of bodily infirmity, is of so hateful a character, that we need not say to what class of mirth it belongs;