We ended our journey upon Vesuvius, where we resolved some day to go around the world.
This visit to Europe proved most instructive.

Up to this time I had known nothing of painting or sculpture, but it was not long before I could classify the works of the great painters.

One may not at the time justly appreciate the advantage he is receiving from examining the great masterpieces, but upon his return to America he will find himself unconsciously rejecting what before seemed truly beautiful, and judging productions which come before him by a new standard.

That which is truly great has so impressed itself upon him that what is false or pretentious proves no longer attractive.
My visit to Europe also gave me my first great treat in music.

The Handel Anniversary was then being celebrated at the Crystal Palace in London, and I had never up to that time, nor have I often since, felt the power and majesty of music in such high degree.