INTRODUCTION. 



Rural scenery is so congenial to the human mind, that 

 there are few persons who do not indulge the hope of retiring 

 at some period into the country. Its peculiar and gentle 

 pleasures are suited to all ages and every rank of life, and af- 

 ford not less gratification to the general observer, than to 

 the philosopher, the poet, or the painter. Works of art ge- 

 nerally require from their votaries time, thought, and a parti- 

 cular study, in order to become acquainted with their beauties : 

 but we have only to see nature, to love and admire her. 

 Every one feels himself touched by her effects, — enlivened by 

 scenes of verdure, freshness, and fragrance, — aroused by the 

 roar of the cataract, — or soothed almost to repose by the set- 

 ting sun gilding the western skies, and illuminating the tops of 

 the distant mountains. Who has not felt the varied effect of 

 the seasons, or even the no less amazing variety of a single 

 day ? Who does not feel himself animated by the rising splen- 



