122 SYLVAN WINTEE. 



out. Sucli, often, is the effect of the hazy medium. 

 The hght mist is only a greater degree of hazi- 

 ness. Its object is a nearer distance, as a remote 

 one is totally obscured by it. In this situation 

 of the atmosphere, not only all the strong tints of 

 Nature are obscured, but all the smaller variations 

 of form are lost. We look only for a general 

 mass of softened harmony and sober colouring, 

 unmarked by any strength of effect. Sometimes 

 these mists are partial ; and if they happen to 

 coincide with the composition of the landscape, 

 this partiality is attended with peculiar beauty.' 

 Gilpin adds : ' When some huge promontory 

 emerges from a spreading mist which hangs over 

 one part of it, it not only receives the advantage 

 of contrast, but it also becomes an object of double 

 grandeur. We often see the woods of the forest 

 also with peculiar advantage emerging through a 

 mist in the same style of greatness.' * 



The rapidly-moving mist, as the vapours are 



chased by the wind, has also oftentimes a powerful 



effect in bringing out into vivid relief certain parts 



of a scene, and obscuring others, and revealing 



* ' Forest Scenqry,' pages 316-8. 



