On the Poplar in Scenery. 1 17 



with the top of the bridge, which would have been offen- 

 sive to the eye, and would have frustrated the intention. 

 Since perpendicular forms are introduced in the fore-ground, 

 this plantation at the back, viewed as regards pictorial effect, 

 is unnecessary as a mean for introducing perpendicular forms. 

 Had merely an undulating character been preserved instead 

 of so decided an irregularity of outline, the grandeur of the 

 "effect would have been much enhanced ; for then the straight 

 lines of the bridge, the curved line of the retiring plantation, 

 and the rude outline of the distant mountain, would have 

 supported each other mutually. Add to this, that lofty ob- 

 jects ever contribute toward a deception ; and though this 

 deception may sometimes be advantageous, it is more fre- 

 quently injurious by causing objects to appear much nearer 

 than their true situation, and consequently the distant scenery 

 which they illustrate will appear to approach : the introduction 

 of a lew poplars in the fore-ground would have been a 

 sufficient opposition of forms — this is elucidated in the sketch 

 below. (Jig. 15.) 15 



Here perpendicular forms are employed in opposition to 

 those which are horizontal, in addition to which curved lines 

 are introduced, thereby illustrating that carved as well as 

 perpendicular lines agreeably oppose horizontal lines; and 

 although it be admitted that horizontals require perpendi- 

 culars for the purpose of opposition, still it should be remem- 

 bered that low and broad, require lofty objects for their 

 support : thus, in the fore-ground, broad masses of foliage 

 are introduced, mixed with the spiral form of the poplar to 

 contrast with them. 



With regard to the introduction of poplars in scenery ge- 

 nerally, they should be so dispersed as never to appear alone. 



Vol. I. No. 2. k 



