We have, indeed, made but a poor pro- 

 gress, by changing the formal, but simple 

 and majestic avenue, for the thin circular 

 verge called a belt; and the unpretending 

 ugliness of the strait, for the affected same- 

 ness of the serpentine canal : but the great 

 distinguishing feature of modern improve- 

 ment, is tile clump; a name, which if the 

 first letter were taken away, would most 

 accurately describe its form and effect. 

 Were it made the object of study how to 

 invent something, which under the name 

 of ornament should disfigure whole dis~ 

 tricts, nothing could be contrived to 

 answer that purpose like a clump. Na- 

 tural groups, being formed by trees of 

 different ages and sizes, and at different dis- 

 tances from each other, often too by a mix- 

 ture of those of the largest size with thorns, 

 hollies, and others of inferior growth, are. 



suit the shreds and patches that are so often stuck about 

 by Mr. Brown and his followers, amidst the noble scenes 

 they disfigure; where they are as contemptible, and as 

 much out of character, as Claude's first edifices in pastry 

 would appear, in the dignified landscapes he has painted. 



