656 



THE CHOICE OF A SITUATION 



BOOK III. 



tural character into the scenery of a residence, still it may be 

 observed by some, that to attempt to direct men in their choice 

 is useless; either, say they, because nothing can be done but 

 picturing out the most perfect situation, and advising all to 

 choose that which is simply impossible ; or, because few have 

 it in their power to make any choice at all, and consequently 

 directions might only excite regret: — and lastly, because most 

 men act from feeling, or accidental concurrence of circum- 

 stances, in this matter. A very slight reflection, however, will 

 convince a thinking mind that these arguments are all equally 

 distant from truth. Nothing can be more evident, than that 

 the beauty, excellence, or perfection of a situation, is relative, 

 and depends entirely upon the mind, intention, and fortune of 

 the intended purchaser; and every attentive observer knows, 

 that there is as great a variety of character in men as there is 

 in natural scenery. But as we often find that in neither is the 

 character indicated, so marked or expressive, as to render it 

 striking ; hence such men cannot be expected to know them- 

 selves, and of course are incapable of judging truly of their 

 own dislike or approbation of situations, any more than of 

 their opinions of individuals of their own species. When 

 scenery is not expressive, the unexperienced in it, though 

 they may know their own minds in other things, are yet incapa- 

 ble of discerning whether a situation has, or is capable of having, 

 such an analogy as will continue to satisfy and please their taste. 

 "When the mind is not fully formed, or when a man is not con- 



