PART II. 



IMPROVEMENT OF RESIDENCES. 



691 



some attention to the study of medicine. Every benefit, of 

 whatever kind, properly bestowed upon the deserving of the 

 lower classes, is sure of producing unfeigned gratitude and at- 

 tachment from individuals, and praise and esteem from the 

 country-folks in general*'. 



Every good improver is not only rendered conspicuous 

 among his neighbours, but is admired by society at large, and 

 valued by all wise statesmen, as of real benefit to society. 

 The authors of great and extensive improvements not only ob- 

 tain the approbation and praise of the present age, but are 

 handed down to futurity with a lustre which never can be sul- 

 lied by changes of government or society ; and it deserves to 

 be remarked, that both the praise and utility of military or 

 political worth is confined either to the period of its actual 

 existence, or afterwards chiefly to one nation ; while that of 

 him who promotes the arts of peace and rural improvements 

 spreads into all countries, and passes with increasing power 

 through successive ages -f. 



* No pleasure is equal to that of true and unfeigned gratitude; it is so great 

 as even to be desired by Divinity ; for what is divine worship but the expressions 

 of gratitude ? 



f If I may judge from the general taste for drawing among the higher classes, 

 perhaps the duties of a country life may yet have sufficient charms. If to the study 

 of drawing, that of botany, and in particular of trees, were added, it could scarcely 

 fail of rendering verdant scenery and horticulture peculiarly interesting. 



