136 Gilpin's forest scenery. 



parts of tlie ramification — tlie little tender 

 spray on wticli the hanging of the foliage 

 and the peculiar character of the tree so much 

 depend. 



The study is certainly useful. It is true it has 

 none of the larger parts of painting for its ob- 

 ject — composition — or the massing of light and 

 shade : but we consider it as necessary for those 

 to understand, who wish either to be acquainted 

 with the particular character of each tree, or 

 its general effect. 



Nor is it an unpleasing study. There is much 

 variety in the ramification of each species ; and 

 much also in that of each individual. We see 

 everywhere so many elegant lines, so much oppo- 

 sition and rich intersection among them, that 

 there are few more beautiful objects in Nature, 

 than the ramification of a tree. For myself, I 

 am in doubt whether an old, rough, interwoven 

 Oak, merely as a single object, has not as much 

 beauty in winter, as in summer. In summer it 

 has unquestionably more effect ; but, in point of 

 simple beauty and amusement, I think I should 

 almost prefer it in winter. 



