so XAVAtER^S 
cifesj as promotfed health> ftrength> and fyaimetry^ 
Thus fculjitors had their eyes familiarized with liv- 
ing models bf excellence, in that ftate liniplicityj 
from which they defigned inirhitable ftatues. 
But now-a-days we could not eafily find in the, 
higher order fimilar perfections, in the fame degree 
as amidft that laborious clafs, which (till contributes 
to embellifh the human frame by rural employ- 
ments, races, and diverfions, ufed with moderation: 
but for thefe, the plagues of luxury and effeminacy 
would make the human face degenerate more vi- 
fibly, or dwindle into fhadows. 
On the other hand, exceffive labour would have 
a contrary effeCt upon both fexes, and prove fatal to 
the niceft fhapes and faireft complexions j as every 
man may obferve, that female peafants lofe the fine 
tinCture of a fkin, with well-turned tender limbs, juft 
as they gain additional vigoUf with robuft and ath- 
letic fhapes. But, in the populous towns of Europe, 
beauty, like a flower, requires our foftering care, to 
prevent it from perifhing by a cruel blaft before it 
be full blown. 
ESSAY 
