'706 



APPENDIX, NO. I. 



advantage to both landscapes, as the other method, viz. XXIX. andXXX. ? 

 I am decidedly of opinion that it is not, and for the following reasons : 



1. Supposing the objects drawn upon the upper slip of paper to be ex- 

 actly the same as those on the under one — equally well executed, and 

 equally agreeable subjects : the upper one would never please so much as 

 the one under it, because the line ivhich marks the boundary of the slip 

 disturbs the harmony of the one composition, while by contrast the other is 

 improved. 



2. The active principle of curiosity inherent in the human mind will 

 ever prevent full satisfaction from flowing from that whereof the slip forms 

 a part ; for while we know that the slip is capable of being lifted up> the 

 mind will be in anxiety till that be effected. This would be strikingly 

 proved, if the best subject were placed upon the slip, and the landscape 

 in its present state placed under it. Reason might convince a scientific 

 person that the upper one was preferable ; but those who judge chiefly from 

 feeling, and from what strikes the eye, would, unless there was a very ma- 

 nifest difference of character between the two, be best pleased with the 

 one under. 



3. By having the two states of the landscape so connected in represen- 

 tations, it becomes impossible to give them a fair comparison. Every 

 time that we compare any object in the upper one, or on part of the slip, 

 with the same object improved in the under one, we discompose the slip, 

 which, while it increases our dislike of the upper scene, adds to our preju- 

 dice for the secure and permanent effect of the one below. This of itself 

 is so powerful a reason against slips, that no one devoid of prejudice can 

 ever decide in their favour.. 



These are reasons to shew the inutility of this contrivance, which are valid, 

 though perfect justice were done to both drawings. I shall next shew, 



