40 Gilpin's forest scenery. 



sooner gotten by heart, if I may so plirase it, than 

 otlier trees ; whicli, yielding to tlie pressure, are 

 every instant assuming new modifications. 



From the motion of the tree, we have also the 

 pleasing circumstance of the cliequered shade, 

 formed under it by the dancing of the sunbeams 

 among its playing leaves. This circumstance, 

 though not so much calculated for picturesque use 

 (as its beauty arises chiefly from its motion), is yet 

 very amusing in nature ; and may also be intro- 

 duced in painting, when the tree is at rest. But 

 it is one of those circumstances, which requires a 

 very artful pencil. In its very nature it opposes 

 the grand principle of massing light and shade. 

 However, if it be brought in properly, and not 

 suffered to glare, it may have its beauty. But, 

 whatever becomes of this circumstance in painting, 

 it is very capable of being pleasingly wrought up 

 in poetry. 



' The chequer'd eartli seems restless as a flood 

 Bruslx'd by the winds. So sportive is tlic light 

 Shot through the houghs ; it dances, as they dance, 

 Shadow and sunshine intermingling quick, 

 And dark'ning, and enlightening (as the leaves 

 Play wanton) every part.' 



