II 
46 MARATHON TO THEBES. 
CHAP, before us, towards the north, of all the 
Boeotian Plain, and of its surrounding moun- 
tains \ 
Upon the highest part of this route over 
Fames, we noticed some ruins; and perhaps 
hereabouts were the altars and the bronze image 
mentioned by Pausanias'\ Soon afterwards we 
(1) As it has been rather hastily remarked — it matters not where, 
but the observation is likely to occur again — that the same geological 
features cause everywhere similarity of landscape ; and that a vast 
plain, or a hike, surrounded by high mountains in one country, will 
necessarily resemble all other plains, and lakes, SAirrounded by high 
mountains in other countries ; the author will take this opportunity of 
denying the fact : and, according to his former practice, he will now 
specify the particular territory which resembles, in the nature of its 
scenery, this view of the great plain of Bccotia. It possesses too much 
beauty to be unknown to many of his readers : it is that part of Italy 
which is beheld, in the Apennines, from the heights above the cata- 
ract of Terni in Umbria. The Boeotian territory being as highly di- 
versified, accordingly as it is richly cultivated, or in parts wild, and 
filled with stately forests full of majestic oaks and pines ; or inter- 
rupted and broken by bleak and naked rocks ; presenting to the eye 
an amazing variety of colour, in its fields, and woods, and precipices. 
Indeed it may be said, that, amidst the changeful scenery which 
Nature is ever exhibiting to the eye of a traveller, it rarely happens 
that any very accurate resemblances can be traced ; and he who does 
not at all times command the power of delineation by his pencil, may 
consider himself to be fortunate, if, by any faithful comparison, he be 
enabled to convey to the minds of others an impression of what they 
have not seen, derived from what they have seen. Thousands have 
seen the rich territory of Umbria, not one of whom will ever behold 
the Plain of Boeotia. 
(2) K.ou iv Xla^vtiSi, Tla^vnSio; Zeuj y^aXxavf Iitti, ko) jia/xi; l.yif/.a.X.in/ A/»>* 
'iffritih r^ TXif^n^i kx) cik>.o; (iuftif' x. r. i,. Paus. Attic. C. 52. p. 7S. 
ed. Kulinii. 
