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and general composition, than to examine 

 the same scenes in the full distinctness of 

 day, and again after sun-set. In fact, twi- 

 light does, what an improver ought to do : 

 it connects what was before scattered ; it 

 fills up staring, meagre vacancies ; it de- 

 stroys edginess ; and by giving shadow as 

 well as light to water, at once increases 

 both its brilliancy and softness. It must, 

 however, be observed, that twilight, while 

 it takes off the edginess of those objects 

 which are below the horizon, more sensibly 

 marks the outline of those which are above it, 

 and opposed to the sky ; and consequently 

 discovers the defects, as well as the beauties 

 of their forms. From this circumstance 

 improvers may learn a very useful lesson, 

 that the outline against the sky should be 

 particularly attended to, so that nothing 

 lumpy, meagre, or discordant should be 

 there ; for at all times, in such a situation, 

 the form is made out, but most of all when 

 twilight has melted the other parts toge- 

 ther. At that time many varied groups, 

 and elegant shapes of trees, which were 



