1481. As an illustration of the theory of landscape-gardening which we have adopted, we subjoin a slight analysis of the principles of a composition expressive of picturesque and natural beauty. For this purpose, it is a matter of indifference, as far as respects picturesque beauty, whether we choose a real or a painted landscape; but, as we mean also to investigate its poetic or general beauty, we shall prefer a reality. We choose, then, a perfect flat, varied by wood, say elms, with a piece of water, and a high wall, forming the angle of a ruined building; it is animated by cows and sheep; its expression is that of melancholy grandeur; and, independently of this beauty, it is picturesque in expression; that is, if painted, it would form a tolerable picture. We shall now proceed to the analysis of such a scene.
