even the distant town of Reading, now strongly gilded by the opposite sun. [See fig. 51.]

On comparing this effect with others, which I have frequently since observed, I draw this conclusion: that certain objects appear best with the sun behind them, and others with

the sun full upon them; and it is rather singular, that to the former belong all natural objects, such as woods, trees, lawn, water, and distant mountains; while to the latter belong all artificial objects, such as houses, bridges, roads, boats, arable fields, and distant towns or villages.

In the progress of this work I shall have occasion to call the reader's attention to the principles here assumed, and which, in certain situations, are of great importance, and require to be well considered.

CHAPTER III.

Water-it may be too naked or too much clothed-Example from WEST WYCOMBE-Digression concerning the Approach-Motion of WaterExample at ADLESTROP-Art must deceive to imitate Nature-Cascade at THORESBY-The Rivulet-Water at WENTWORTH described-A River easier to imitate than a Lake-A bubbling Spring may be imitated-a Ferry-boat at HOLKHAM-A rocky Channel at HAREWOOD.

THE observations in the preceding chapter concerning the reflection of sky on the surface of water, will account for that brilliant and cheerful effect produced by a small pool, frequently placed near a house, although in direct violation of Nature for since the ground ought to slope, and generally does slope, from a house, the water very near it must be on the side of a hill, and of course artificial. Although I have never proposed a piece of water to be made in such a situation, I have frequently advised that small pools so unnaturally placed should be retained, in compliance with that general satisfaction which the eye derives from the glitter of water, however absurd its situation.

It requires a degree of refinement in taste bordering on fastidiousness, to remove what is cheerful and pleasing to the eye, merely because it cannot be accounted for by the common laws of Nature; I was, however, not sorry to discover some plea for my compliance, by considering, that although water on a hill is generally deemed unnatural, yet all rivers derive their sources from hills, and the highest mountains are known to have lakes or pools of water near their summits.

We object, therefore, not so much to the actual situation, as to the artificial management of such water. We long to break down the mound of earth by which the water is confined; although we might afterwards regret the loss of its cheerful glitter; and hence, perhaps, arises that baldness in artificial pools, so disgusting to the painter, and yet so pleas

ing to the less accurate observer. The latter delights in a broad expanse of light on the smooth surface, reflecting a brilliant sky; the former expects to find that surface ruffled by the winds, or the glare of light in parts obscured by the reflection of trees from the banks of the water; and thus, while the painter requires a picture, the less scientific observer will be satisfied with a mirror.

During great part of last century WEST WYCOMBE was deemed a garden of such finished beauty, that to those who formerly remembered the place, it will seem absurd to suggest any improvement. But time will equally extend its changing influence to the works of nature and to those of art, since the PLANTER has to contend with a power

"A hidden power! at once his friend and foe!
'Tis VEGETATION! Gradual to his groves
She gives their wished effects, and that displayed,
O! that her power would pause; but, active still,
She swells each stem, prolongs each vagrant bough,
And darts, with unremitting vigour bold,
From grace to wild luxuriance."

MASON.

Thus, at WEST WYCOMBE, those trees and shrubs which were once its greatest ornament, have now so far outgrown their situation, that the whole character of the place is altered; and instead of that gaiety and cheerfulness inspired by flowering shrubs and young trees, gloom and melancholy seem to have reared their standard in the branches of the tallest elms, and to shed their influence on every surrounding object: on the house, by lessening its importance; on the water, by darkening its surface; and on the lawn, by lengthened shadows.

The prodigious height of the trees near the house has not merely affected the character, but also the very situation of the house. Instead of appearing to stand on a dry bank, considerably above the water (as it actually does), the house, oppressed by the neighbouring trees, became damp, and appeared to have been placed in a gloomy bottom, while the water was hardly visible, from the dark reflection of the trees on its surface, and the views of the distant hills were totally concealed from the house.

It is a fortunate circumstance for the possessor, where improvement can be made rather by cutting down than by planting trees. The effect is instantly produced, and as the change in the scenery at this place has actually been realized before I could make a sketch to explain its necessity, the following drawing serves to record my reason for so boldly advising the use of the axe. I am well aware that my advice may subject me to the criticism of some, who will regret the loss of old trees, which, like old acquaintances, excite a degree of veneration, even when their age and infirmity have rendered them useless, perhaps offensive, to all but their youthful associates. The tedious process of rearing and planting woods, and the dreadful havoc too often made by injudiciously felling large trees, ought certainly to inspire caution and diffidence; but there is in reality no more temerity in marking the trees to be taken down than those to be planted, and I trust there has not been a single tree displaced at WEST WYCOMBE, which has not tended to improve the healthfulness, the magnificence, and the beauty of the place.

Most of the principal rooms having a north aspect, the landscape requires peculiar management not generally understood. Lawn, wood, and water, are always seen to the greatest advantage with the sun behind them, because the full glare of light between opposite trees destroys the contrast of wood and lawn; while water never looks so brilliant and cheerful when reflecting the northern, as the southern sky: a view, therefore, to the north would be dull and uninteresting without some artificial objects, such as boats or buildings, or distant corn-fields, to receive the opposite beams of the sun.

A sketch (in the Red Book)† shewed the effect of taking down trees to admit the distant woods, and by removing those on the island, and of course their reflection, the water becomes more conspicuous; in addition, the proposed road of approach, with carriages occasionally passing near the banks of the lake, will give animation to the view from the saloon.

This subject has been explained in the preceding chapter.

A view of the house across the water, not here inserted, being exactly the reverse of that which represents the view towards the house, which is inserted.

The views of WEST WYCOMBE, inserted in this work [figs. 52 and 53], being taken from the proposed approach, I shall here beg leave to make a short digression, explaining

(Fig 52.

View from the approach to Wycombe House before it was altered, by cutting down the trees in the island, &c.]

my reasons for that line, founded on some general principles respecting an approach, although it has no other reference to