438 



PICTURESQUE IMPROVEMENT. 



BOOK I. 



in clumps and patches, where the natural growths had been 

 just rooted up, and (child-like) a number of fantastical-looking 

 stones, were brought from the sea-shore and regularly distri- 

 buted (for to group them was a thing they had no idea of) in 

 the most conspicuous places along the sides of the road, and 

 particularly along three (otherwise proper enough) bridges by 

 way of parapet. 



This dell, at present, has an appearance which may give-a 

 fertile imagination some idea of what it has once been ; but, 

 had the reader seen it previously to the commencement of these 

 operations, about five years ago, it would probably fill him 

 with the deepest regret to see it at present*, fresh from 

 the, improver's desolating hand. 



The flower-garden, a right-lined canal, which its contriver 

 endeavours to defend from the principles of contrast, and al- 

 most every other operation of art at this place, in which effect 

 is the principal consideration, is equally unnatural, misplaced, 

 or out of character. The proprietor has thrown away an im- 

 mense sum of money in counteracting nature, and deforming 

 his grounds : and as all this is finished from the plan and red- 



dulations of pasture in a park, and across stony brooks or rough lanes in forest or 

 wild scenery. Those who have had the pleasure of walking through the dell at 

 Cames-Eskan, or the woods at Rhydal, will recollect the grateful harmony produced 

 by the same circumstances accidentally existing in these paths. 

 * In 1804, when this was first written. 



