248 



scenery, for instance, whether it be confin- 

 ed or extensive, a wood, a river, or a distant 

 view, every eyeis more or less pleased, with 

 a happy combination of forms, colours, 

 lights, and shadows : but, together with 

 these, other considerations proceeding from 

 the mind only, are often imperceptibly 

 blended ; in most of which, utility has a 

 principal share. The different qualities 

 and uses of trees ; the advantages of a ri- 

 ver to commerce, to agriculture, or manu- 

 factures ; the local geography and history 

 of an extensive prospect, are all considera- 

 tions totally distinct from the sense of see^ 

 ing, and from the combinations which af- 

 fect it ; yet they have a known, and in 

 many cases a very strong influence on its 

 pleasures. From the force of this associa- 

 tion, places of great celebrity are viewed 

 with much more delight, than those which 

 are little known, though of equal, or greater 

 beauty : and, I believe, it would be difficult 

 for a man of poetical enthusiasm, to judge 

 impartially between a beautiful scene in 



