177 



chiefly from this circumstance of union 

 and harmony, that the decaying charms 

 of autumn often triumph in the painter's 

 eye, over the fresh and blooming beauties 

 of spring. 



It must not, however, be concluded 

 from what has been said, that the painter 

 has no pleasure in any set of objects, un- 

 less they form a picture : the charms of 

 spring are universally felt, and he also feels 

 their influence, unless he has narrowed his 

 mind by that art, which ought most to 

 have enlarged it. The true lover of paint- 

 ing, only adds new sources of pleasure, to 

 those which are common to all mankind*: 

 he enjoys equally the general beauties of 

 nature, but from his quick eye, and keen 

 relish for her more happy combinations and 

 effects, he acquires a number of pleasures 

 which may be dwelt upon, when the first 



* This is precisely the case with regard to prospects: 

 the painter adds those new sources of pleasure to the ge- 

 neral and vague delight which is felt by every spectator. 

 For a further discussion of this subject, vide Letter to 

 Mr. Reptou, page 113. 



VOL. I. N 



