334 Prof. Hausmann''s Sketches of South European Nature, 



other evergreen shrubs, do not form any fohage so thick as to 

 conceal the rocks on which they grow, particularly as regards 

 the mountains which project beyond the others in the form of 

 promontories ; it is only in the interior of the mountain range 

 that we find occasionally high and thick forests. When, not- 

 withstanding this bareness, the mountains appear picturesque 

 to the eye, it is, in general, owing to their outline alone. The 

 indentations and projections can be exactly recognised from a 

 great distance, and occasion the striking change of light and 

 shade which give rise to the agreeable impression. 



The extraordinary transparency of the atmosphere, which 

 gives an indescribable charm to distance — the deep blue of the 

 sky— the unusual forms of the vegetation — the enrapturing 

 view of the warm sea — and the remarkable appearance of Ve- 

 suvius and its smoke — all taken together, fix the gaze of the 

 observer upon Italy. Hence districts often appear beautiful, 

 which, in regard to their surrounding objects, are, to speak truly, 

 not so ; while, after reflecting on the scenery with composure, 

 and without prejudice, and thinking of what constitutes the 

 beauty of a landscape, we consider them as inferior to many of 

 our own country. 



But it is not only what is produced by the spontaneous exer- 

 tions of Nature that imparts a specific character to a landscape. 

 The character is in a high degree modified by means of culti- 

 vation. In this respect, also, we see the greatest differences 

 between the middle and southern parts of Italy. The regularly 

 planted olive tree, with its stem often crooked and hollowed to- 

 ward the root, and its small bluish-green leaves, can never give 

 considerable beauty to a country. But the vine must ever be 

 an on.ament, where, as in Italy, propped up by elms and pop- 

 lars, it has a much more luxuriant growth than in France and 

 Germany. Sometimes, as in the fruitful plains of Naples, it 

 climbs with its tendrils around the well cultivated fields, bearing 

 wheat, maize, or pulse, and forms for them a sheltering roof. 

 In various parts of Italy, especially in Tuscany and in the dis- 

 trict of Lucca, we are gratified, not only by the agricultural 

 industry, though that would suffice for gardens ; but even a 

 hermit would feel satisfaction when he viewed such culture, 

 with which the beauty of the people, their neat and tasteful 



