194 3Lan&scape arcbitecture 



character of the place must determine the degree of 

 difference between forms which are contiguous. 

 Besides distinctions in the shapes of the ground, 

 differences in their situations and their dimensions 

 are sources of variety. The position will alter the 

 effect, though the figure be the same; and for par- 

 ticular effects, a change only in the distance may be 

 striking. If that be considerable, a succession of 

 similar shapes sometimes occasions a fine perspective; 

 but the diminution will be less marked, that is the 

 effect will be less sensible if the forms are not nearly 

 alike; we take more notice of one difference, when 

 there is no other. Sometimes a very disagreeable 

 result, produced by too close a resemblance of shapes, 

 may be remedied by an alteration in the size. If 

 a steep descends in a succession of abrupt falls, 

 nearly equal, they have an appearance of steps; and 

 are neither pleasing nor wild, but, if they are made 

 to differ in height and length, the objection is re- 

 moved: and at all times, a difference in the dimen- 

 sions will be foimd to have a greater effect, than in 

 speculation: we should be inclined to ascribe to it, 

 and will often disguise a similarity of figure. It also 

 contributes perhaps more than any other circum- 

 stance, to the perfection of those lines which the eye 

 traces along the parts of a piece of groimd when it 

 glances over several together. No variety of form 

 compensates for the want of it. An undulating 

 line, composed of parts all elegant in themselves, 

 all judiciously contrasted and happily united, but 



