4 INTRODUCTION. 



It would seem, that the more terrible a 

 sight, and the more violent an impression, 

 the more agreeable to the greater portion of 

 mankind, who run with avidity after objects 

 of horror, whilst they pass unnoticed those 

 which produce gentle and agreeable sensa- 

 tions, and would to all appearance rather 

 tremble at the awful thunderbolt of Jupiter, 

 than calmly admire the bounteous horn of 

 plenty, It has been observed, that the 

 volcano near Naples attracts more travellers 

 to the city than the delicious gardens which 

 adorn the shores of that region. The plains 

 of Greece^ overspread with ruins, would entice 

 many to undertake a voyage to a distant 

 country, who would feel but little inclined to 

 travel over their native soil to view its 

 richly cultivated lawns ; and there is no 

 doubt, but that formerly, where one person 

 went to Egypt to be a witness of Nature's 

 bounty to that nation, five hundred became 

 travellers to behold the Pyramids. A temple 

 after it's fall excites more eager curiosity than 

 it did during its construction ; and many who 

 will not cross their thresholds to look at a 

 beautiful calm in Nature, will rush to get a 

 sight of a storm and shipwreck in a play- 

 house. This love of the terrific is not, as has 

 been asserted by foreigners, peculiar to the 



