1539. But simplicity and nature, continually repeated, become tiresome in their turn, and man is then pleased to recognise the hand of art, if judiciously exercised, even on an artificial ruin (fig. 258.); but then it must be so like truth as to interest by the likeness, not by deception, which is disgusting. Artificial ruins, however, need seldom be resorted to while there are so many other architectural and sculptural decorations to which we can have recourse. Nothing gives more general satisfaction than a neat and comfortable picturesque cottage (fig. 259.), with a good garden, in neat order and cultivation; and such buildings may always be applied to some useful purpose, even in the grounds of small villas, or fermes ornees. In more extensive scenes, cottages of different styles may be introduced, from that of the Greenlander or Norwegian to the Hindoo; and there can be no reason why a proprietor, if he chooses to go to the expense, and will attend to the comfort of the interior, should not ornament the dwelling of an upper servant in any style he pleases, even that of a Chinese mandarin.
