172 DAYS AND NIGHTS OF SALMON FISHING 



" Why, what is the use of wetting yourself, now 

 you have lost the fish ? ' : 



" True, true I did not sufficiently consider that ; 

 so now I will go back, and see if I can improve my 



cow." 



This was abundantly philosophical ; but intelli- 

 gible enough to me, who being very much addicted 

 to painting myself, know how absorbing a passion 

 it is. 



The cow was a good cow drawn in a clean and 

 decisive manner, with a correct knowledge of the 

 anatomy of the animal. I praised accordingly, and 

 we began naturally enough to talk upon the prin- 

 ciples of landscape painting ; and as we both agreed 

 pretty well as to those principles, so we both laid 

 down the law with as much confidence as if we were 

 the lineal descendants of Zeuxis or Apelles a 

 fashion, I must observe, most particularly prevalent 

 at the present day. I fear it is not worth while to 

 notice our remarks. I will write them down, however, 

 at a venture ; and here they follow. 



" View-taking/' said the cow limner, " I consider 

 as of a distinct character from landscape painting. 

 The interest of the first, as a work of art, in all 

 highly cultivated countries, must in a great measure 

 depend upon accidental causes. Trees in hedge- 

 rows, and most other positions, have been planted 

 or removed by the hand of man for profit or con- 

 venience, so that they are rarely found in the most 

 natural or effective situations ; other objects share 

 the same fate, and even the vivid verdure is produced 

 by artificial means. Still it is right for the view- 



