59 



how they came there, and whether they 

 belonged originally to the soil, but consi- 

 der only how he could profit by them, or 

 by any other circumstances which might 

 produce effect and variety, without any ma- 

 nifest absurdity or unnaturalness. 



If then it be acknowledged that these 

 varieties do constitute some of the prin- 

 cipal charms of natural rivers ; if where 

 they exist, are happily disposed, and mixed 

 with verdure and smoothness, not only 

 the river itself is beautiful, but the whole 

 country from its influence seems to par- 

 take of that character; and if, on the other 

 hand, where there is a total want of them, 

 there mustbe total monotony, — what should 

 prevent us from endeavouring to imitate 

 that which is at the same time most natural 

 and most delightful, instead of making 

 something, which has no type in nature, 

 and ought to have none in art ? Can it be 

 said that there is any real difficulty in exe- 

 cuting any part of what 1 have described, 

 or indeed much more than I have menti- 

 oned ? I say in executing, for difficulty 



