There is no principle of the art so necessary to be studied, as the effects produced on the mind by the first view of certain objects, or, rather, that general disposition of the human mind, by which it is capable of strongly receiving first impressions. We frequently decide on the character of places, as well as of persons, with no other knowledge of either, than what is acquired by the first glance of their most striking features; and it is with difficulty, or with surprise, that the mind is afterwards constrained to adopt a contrary opinion. Thus, if the approach to a house be over a flat plain, we shall pronounce the situation to be flat also, although the ground immediately near the house be varied and uneven; whilst, on the contrary, if the road winds its course over gentle hills and dales, and at length ascends a steep bank to the house, we shall always consider it as standing on an eminence, although the views from the house may be perfectly flat.
