THE greatest difficulty a painter has professionally to encounter is to
produce a striking resemblance of a countenance where there are no
striking features: just so with the Hat called “JOHN BULL.” It has no
marked style of peculiarity in the formation; but, independent of the
_fine texture_, there is in it a combination of rare qualities not often
met with: for instance—it has in appearance strong marks of becoming
gravity—a bold but manly dignity—a pleasing diffidence, with a
conscious, yet unassuming importance—and is recommended to persons
somewhat robust in form, features full and round, with a complexion not
too dark. In wearing, it should neither be placed aside, thrown too far
back, nor brought particularly forward over the face, for the following
reasons—the first position would bespeak an air of _non challance_—the
second a sort of slovenly neglect in the person—and the third an
incommunicative sullenness of disposition.