WATER SCENEKT. 261 



the chief sources of pleasing variety in the expression 

 of landscape, whether we view it as spread out on the 

 silver bosom of a lake, the serpentine course of a river, 

 or by its outlines forming those endless changes, that 

 delight the voyager by the sea-shore. Every one must 

 have observed, when riding through an unattractive 

 country, how it seems overspread with a sudden charm, 

 when we come in sight of a lake or a stream. What 

 was before monotonous is now agreeably varied ; what 

 before was spiritless is now animated and cheering. A 

 similar effect is produced by the sight of a little cottage 

 in a desert or uninhabited region, or in the midst of an 

 uncultivated plain. The eye wanders about unsatisfied, 

 until it sees this human dwelling, when it rests con- 

 tented, because it has found something to fix the atten- 

 tion and to awaken a sympathetic interest. We are 

 not always aware how greatly the beauty of landscape 

 is founded on our habitual associations. At the sight 

 of water we think at once of the numerous delights, 

 bounties, and luxuries, that flow from its beneficent 

 streams ; and perhaps nothing in a prospect so instan- 

 taneously awakens the idea of plenty, and of the benefi- 

 cence of nature. Water is, therefore, the very picture 

 of benevolence, without which the face of the country 

 would seem cold, ungenerous, and barren. 



A feeling of seclusion is one of the agreeable emo- 

 tions connected with a ramble in the woods ; and some 

 delightful spots derive their principal attractions from 

 their evident adaptedness to this security from observa- 

 tion. When we are walking either alone or in com- 

 pany, we do not like to be met by others, or to be 

 observed by them. A little sequestered spot, that seems 

 to offer all this desirable shelter from the eyes of the 

 world, is always singularly attractive. But those are 



