68 RURAL ORNAMENTS. 



taste in various instances ;" acquiring, as Alison adds, " a superiority 

 over the more permanent principles of beauty, and determining, 

 for a time, the taste of nations." In the disposal of this description 

 of ornament, there should appear no desire to exhibit an osten- 

 tatious display; and where minute inspection may be required, 

 the means of affording it should be furnished ; but generally a 

 glimpse at a few of these objects through trees, from some parts 

 of the house, will be sufficient to relieve and improve the appear- 

 ance of the grounds ; but in general, busts will be better disposed 

 in the walks, and amongst thick shrubberies. 



The effect of a shady walk may be considerably heightened by 

 the introduction of a rustic seat, to which the observer will be in- 

 sensibly drawn ; and, after having enjoyed the gay scenes of the 

 flower-garden, will be no less charmed with the sombre appearance 

 of this retreat. There is a charm peculiar to shady retirement, after 

 having enjoyed sunny scenes of elegance and beauty ; and to a con- 

 templative or studious mind these sequestered spots are particularly 

 interesting. Among the embellishments of a villa, a temple, a 

 fishing-house, or a boat-house, on the margin of the lake, may be 

 rendered attractive ; especially if seen to advantage from distant 

 parts of the grounds : in which case, they must partake of the cha- 

 racter of the scene with which they are to harmonize. If the 

 banks of the lake should approach each other so as consistently to 



