PART VII. PICTURESQUE IMPROVEMENT. 



435 



A hollow winding dell, or dingle,, containing a brook or 

 rill overhung with wood, and its banks diversified by broken 

 ground presenting various coloured earths, and among the 

 low growths old trunks of trees, roots, and stones, — or, dells 

 of a grander character, containing bold, perpendicular project- 

 ing or irregular massive rocks, overhung with huge trees, bushes,, 

 ferns and creepers, grouped and combined in an infinite diver- 

 sity of ways — the stream interrupted by the rocks tumbling 

 over in roaring cataracts, foaming cascades, or interrupted only 

 by gentle falls, — and perhaps in some places (where the dell 

 widens into a valley), spreading itself into a crystal lake, varied 

 by little islands and woody projections, all heightened by the 

 usual appendages of animation, the singing of birds, the fra- 

 grance of flowers, form what I consider to be among the 

 most enchanting kinds of recluse pleasure-ground scenery.. 

 When a place is fortunate enough to have such a romantic 

 chain of picturesque beauty as this, it should seldom be touched 

 by the hand of art. It may happen, that some improvement; 

 may be made, by shewing,, in a partial manner, rocks, roots, or 

 stones, that are perhaps totally concealed ; by augmenting a 

 natural cascade,, or by supplying ivy, or some other creepers 

 or evergreens, &c ; but in general little more can be attempted: 

 with propriety. The principal operation that in any case can, 

 be undertaken in such a scene, is where it may be requisite to ; 

 lead through a walk, or road, either to observe its beauties, or- 



