PART VII. PICTURESQUE IMPROVEMENT. 



381 



animates their frames, no less than beautifies their counte- 

 nances. Without the existence of this element, no species of 

 soil, or country, can be productive ; deprived of its view, no 

 road in Great Britain, nor in any other country, can give plea- 

 sure to the tasteful traveller ; for still as it occurs in springy 

 banks, purling rills, or winding brooks, it is interesting and 

 beautiful : and while in the distance we perceive the sinuous 

 course of the navigable river, the glassy surface of the lake, 

 the green expanse of distant ocean lost in ethereal blue, the 

 mind is exalted and ennobled, filled with astonishment, or 

 wrapt in sublime contemplation. Turning from public paths 

 to secluded scenes of romantic or picturesque beauty, the 

 effects of water are no less varied and pleasing, whether 

 it be the roar of the cataract amid huge cliffs and savage 

 mountains of rocks, the foam and din of the lesser cascade, the 

 melancholy of the standing pool shaded by impending boughs 

 4 < stooping as if to drink," or the melody of the crystal brook, 

 which, 



" running along the snow-white pebble stones, 



" Mourning doth murmur joys commixt with moans." 



ADAMSON. 



Much having been written upon this interesting material 

 by Mr. Price and Mr. Knight, and their excellent writings 

 being generally known and approved among men of taste,- I 



