Chapter VI 



EARTH AND SKY 



N nature, as in art, it 

 is the sky which makes 

 the landscape. Given 

 the identical fields, 

 woods, and retreating 

 hills, and every change 

 of sky, every modulation of light, will 

 produce a new landscape; in light and 

 atmosphere are concealed those mysteries 

 of colour, of distance, and of tone which 

 clothe the changeless features of the visible 

 world with infinite variety and charm. 

 This fruitful marriage of the upper and 

 the lower firmaments is perhaps the oldest 

 fact known to men; it was the earliest 

 discovery of the first observer, it still is 

 the most illusive and beautiful mystery in 

 nature. The most ancient mythologies 

 began with it, the latest books of science 

 and natural observation are still dealing 

 with it. Myths that are older than history 

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