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684 ON RURAL IMPROVEMENT, AND BOOK III. 



2. Let the landed proprietor and the independent consider 

 the effects of rural improvement upon their estates, them- 

 selves, and families. Their estates are greatly increased in 

 value, either by being productive of mere annual rent for a 

 given surface, by containing a greater quantity of woods or 

 young plantations, or by being more admired as a residence, 

 and consequently capable of producing a larger sum if brought 

 to the market as such. It is true, this last particular does not 

 hold in entailed estates; but it may be observed that there are 

 few of the ornamental parts of a residence but what are valu- 

 able even to life-renters — thus lawn is excellent pasture; trees 

 in every form or situation are highly valuable; rocks seldom oc- 

 cupy any space of horizontal surface, being always found more 

 or less perpendicular; water is valuable for the purposes of irri- 

 gation, horticulture, rearing fish, or driving machinery; and few 

 or no buildings ought to be erected but what are of real use. 



The effects of the objects of taste upon the human mind are 

 extensive, and are calculated greatly to enlarge the sphere of 

 enjoyment, and to increase real happiness. The most exalted 

 pleasure consists in the exercise of the social affections and of 

 the imagination*. These a taste for rural scenery has a direct 

 tendency to produce; for in admiring or contemplating na- 



* Paley, in his essays on Human Happiness, places it, I . In the exercise of the 

 social affections; 2. In the exercise of the faculties, either of body or mind, in the 

 pursuit of some engaging end; 3. In the proper constitution of our habits; and 

 lastly, the enjoyment of health. 



