~Observation.~--It is the close observation of little things which is the
secret of success in business, in art, in science, and in every pursuit
in life. Human knowledge is but an accumulation of small facts, made by
successive generations of men,--the little bits of knowledge and
experience carefully treasured up by them growing at length into a
mighty pyramid.--_Samuel Smiles._
Observation made in the cloister, or in the desert, will generally be as
obscure as the one, and as barren as the other; but he that would paint
with his pencil must study originals, and not be over fearful of a
little dust.--_Colton._