128 Gilpin's porest sceneby. 



recover tlie character of the Yew Tree among the 

 admirers of picturesque beauty. 



But though we should be able to estabhsh its 

 beauty with respect to form and foliage, there re- 

 mains one point still, which we should find it hard 

 to combat. Its colour unfortunately gives of- 

 fence. Its dingy, funereal hue, people say, makes 

 it fit only for a churchyard. 



This objection, I hope, I have already answered 

 in defending the colour of the Scotch Fir.* An 

 attachment to colour, as such, seems to me an 

 indication of false taste. Hence arise the nu- 

 merous absurdities of gaudy decoration. In the 

 same manner, a dislike to any particular colour 

 shows a squeamishness which should as little be 

 encouraged. Indeed, when you have only one 

 colour to deal with, as in painting the wainscot of 

 your room, the eye, properly enough, gives a pre- 

 ference to some soft, pleasant tint in opposition to 

 a glaring, bold one ; but when colours act in con- 

 cert (as is the case in all scenery), red, blue, 

 yellow, light-green, or dingy green, are all alike. 



* See page IIG. 



