13 



tion : a principle of all others the most 

 adapted to correct the chief defects of 

 improvers. Connection is a principle al- 

 ways present to the painter's mind, if he- 

 deserve that name ; and by the guidance 

 of which he considers all sets of objects, 

 whatever may be their character or boun- 

 daries, from the most extensive prospect 

 to the most confined wood scene : neither 

 referring every thing to the narrow limits of 

 his canvas, nor despising what will not 

 suit it, unless, indeed, the limits of his 

 mind be equally narrow and contracted ; 

 for when I speak of a painter, I mean an 

 artist, not a mechanic. 



Whatever minute and partial objections 

 may be made to the study of pictures 

 for the purpose of improvement, (ma- 

 ny of which I have discussed in my letter 

 to Mr. Repton,) yet certainly the great 

 leading principles of the one art, — as gene- 

 ral composition — grouping the separate 

 parts — 'harmony of tints — unity of charac- 

 ter, are equally applicable to the other: 

 I may add also, wha^ is so very essential 



