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stream, in the midst of a forest, or embowered in some secluded 

 vale? The answer is difficult. Yet, on the other hand, it can 

 be shown that a less extravagant expenditure in the country, 

 will produce infinitely more interesting and imposing results. 

 It is not in buildings that money should be expended. The 

 more simple and neat their structure, the better will they com- 

 port with our laws for the distribution of property ,,the genius of 

 our government, and the habits of the people. Here architect- 

 ural taste should be guided by economy. It is in the improve- 

 ment of the grounds which surround the establishment, that is 

 so much required, to render the country desirable as a place of 

 residence. Here it is that wealth and intelligence and taste 

 can do so much, can produce such striking effects, and con- 

 tribute more to the enjoyment of life, than it is possible to 

 accomplish in the midst of a city, even by the lavish expendi- 

 tures of a Semiramis. 



Is not a garden, extensive grounds, umbrageous walks, ver- 

 dant lawns, and sparkling cascades, quite as interesting objects, 

 as the massive piles of brick and stone, which are wedged in 

 continuous ranges, on the thronged and dusty avenues of a 

 metropolis. Is not the distant landscape, whether radiant in 

 the rich and various tints of vernal luxuriance, or clad in the 

 gorgeous draperies of autumn, the melodious concert of the 

 birds, the sunset splendors of the western sky, the con- 

 genial serenity of summer's bland and dewy eve, 



The breezy call of incense-breathing morn , 

 The cock's shrill clarion and the echoing horn, 



quite as elevating to the mind, soothing to the soul, and conge- 

 nial to the heart ; as sublime and inspiring as " the stir of the 

 great Babel," arid the deafening surge of that living deep, which 

 resounds through all her gates? 



Refinements of all kinds have a powerful influence in ele- 

 vating the character of mankind, by enlarging the sphere of 

 observation, curbing the out breakings of the passions, fostering 

 private virtue, and improving the public morals ; and to pre- 

 scribe the line of demarcation, within which taste shall be 

 restrained, is as preposterous as to establish the limits of intel- 

 lectual attainments. Every amolieration which has been made 



