This is
partly pleasing to the eye, by the show of order and design, and
partly moral. A terrace, with an old moss- covered balustrade, calls
up at once to the eye the fair forms that have passed there in other
days. The slightest exhibition of art is an evidence of care and human
interest."
"From what I have already observed," said Ellison, "you will
understand that I reject the idea, here expressed, of recalling the
original beauty of the country. The original beauty is never so
great as that which may be introduced. Of course, every thing
depends on the selection of a spot with capabilities. What is said
about detecting and bringing into practice nice relations of size,
proportion, and color, is one of those mere vaguenesses of speech
which serve to veil inaccuracy of thought. The phrase quoted may
mean any thing, or nothing, and guides in no degree. That the true
result of the natural style of gardening is seen rather in the absence
of all defects and incongruities than in the creation of any special
wonders or miracles, is a proposition better suited to the
grovelling apprehension of the herd than to the fervid dreams of the
man of genius. The negative merit suggested appertains to that
hobbling criticism which, in letters, would elevate Addison into
apotheosis.
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