NOVEMBER. 325 



in the bottom, and perfectly retired ; in the other, it is on the brow ; it 

 is shaded, and it overlooks not only the little, wild below, but some corn 

 fields also on the opposite side, which, by their cheerfulness and their 

 proximity, dissipate every idea of solitude. 



" At the extremity of the vale is a grove of large forest trees, inclining 

 down a steep declivity ; and near it are two fields, both irregular, both 

 beautiful, but distinguished in every particular ; the variety of Leasowes 

 is wonderful ; all the enclosures are totally different ; there is seldom a 

 single circumstance in which they agree. Of these near the grove, 

 the lower field comprehends both the sides of a deep dip ; the upper is 

 one large knoll ; the former is encompassed with thick wood ; the latter 

 is open ; a slight hedge, and a serpentine river, are all its boundaries. 

 Several trees, single or in groups, are scattered over the swells of the 

 ground ; not a tree is to be seen on all the steeps of the hollow. The 

 path creeps under a hedge round the one, and catches here and there 

 only peeps of the country. It runs directly across the other to the 

 highest eminence, and bursts at once upon the view. 



"This prospect is also a source of endless variety ; it is cheerful and 

 extensive, over a fine hilly country, richly cultivated, and full of 

 objects and inhabitants ; Hales Owen, a large town, is near ; and the 

 Wrekin, at 30 miles distance, is distinctly visible in the horizon. 

 From the knoll, which has been mentioned, it is seen altogether, and 

 the beautiful farm of the Leasowes is included in the landscape. In 

 other spots, plantations have been raised, or openings cut, on purpose 

 to shut out, or let in, parts of it, at certain points of view. Just below 

 the principal eminence, which commands the whole, is a seat, where all 

 the striking objects being hid by a few trees, the scene is simply a range 

 of enclosed country. This at other seats is excluded, and only the town, 

 or the church, or the steeple without the church, appears. A village, 

 a farm house, or a cottage, which had been unobserved in the confusion 

 of the general prospect, becomes principal in more contracted views ; 

 and the same object which at one place seemed exposed and solitary, is 

 accompanied at another with a foreground of wood, or backed by a 

 beautiful hill. The attention to every circumstance which could diver- 

 sify the scene has been indefatigable ; but the art of the contrivance can 

 never be perceived — the effect always seems accidental. 



" The transitions also are generally very sudden ; from this elevated 

 and gay situation, the change is immediate to sober and quiet home 

 views. The first is a pasture, elegant as a polished lawn, in size not 

 diminutive, and enriched with several fine trees, scattered over ground 

 which lies delightfully. Just below it is a little waste, shut up by rude 

 steeps and wild hanging coppices, on one side of which is a wood, full of 

 large timber trees, and thick with underwood. This receives into its 

 bosom a small irregular piece of water, the other end of which is open ; 

 and the light there breaking in enlivens all the rest, even where trees 

 overhang, or thickets border upon the banks, though the reflection of 

 the shadows, the stillness of the water, and the depth of the wood, 

 spread a composure over the whole scene ; yet the coolness of it strikes no 

 chill ; the shade spreads no gloom ; the retreat is peaceful and silent, 

 but not solemn — a refreshing shelter from the scorching heat of noon, 



