The view from the principal suite of apartments, however rich and varied in itself, becomes much more interesting by the power of contrast, because the great plain to the north affords no promise of such views, and, therefore, the surprise occasioned by this unexpected scenery, is a subject worthy the attention of the improver: the effects of surprise are seldom to be produced by art, and those who attempt to excite it by novelty, or contrast, are in danger of falling into puerile conceits. *[Like those described by Sir William Chambers, in his Chinese Gardening.] But where, as in the present instance, much of the natural sublime exists, this effect should be increased by every means which does not betray the insignificance of art, when compared with the works of nature. For this reason, if the approach were brought along the straight line of avenue, gradually ascending, the situation of BURLEY would lose much of its sublimity by anticipation.
