42 OF TASTE. BOOK I. 



monly denominate them picturesque ; but the emotion which 

 they excite in the bosom of the man of taste is that of reverence. 



Elegance is a term applied to such objects as show a de- 

 gree of refinement, or smoothness of surface, and delicacy of 

 proportion, when compared with the general appearances of 

 such objects:, It changes its meaning with the fashions, and is 

 often applied to any kind of form or colour which deviates 

 from, and has the appearance of being more expensive than* 

 those of the same kind in common use ; as is the case in new 

 or fashionable furniture. It is no character, but merely a 

 term deserving explanation because much used. 



Gaiety is applied to such objects as fill the mind with 

 cheerfulness ; as the sportive play of animals, or w r ater from a 

 fountain, &c. or in colours, to white-washed cottages, &c. 



Novelty. — Though this cannot be called an inherent ex- 

 pression in objects, still such objects or scenes as we have never 

 observed before communicate a pleasure seldom surpassed by 

 such as are familiar to us. The highest degree of novelty is 

 that when an object is not only new, but of a strange or un- 

 common nature. But unless objects have something more to 

 recommend them than novelty, they do not continue long to 

 please. 



