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contrasted by the vivid green of the meadows, and the outline
of distant Hills was distinctly marked by the brightness of the
atmosphere. I could scarcely distinguish any other objects;
but these formed a pleasing landscape from the breadth or con-
trast of light and shade.
In the evening the scene was changed; dark clouds reflected
in the water rendered it almost invisible, the opposite hanging
wood presented one glare of rich foliage; not so beautiful in the
painter's eye, as when the top of each tree was relieved by small
catching lights: but the most prominent features were the Build-
ings, the Boat, the Path, the Pales, and even the distant town
of Reading, now strongly gilded by the opposite sun.
On comparing this effect with others which I have frequently
since observed, I draw this conclusion: that certain objects
appear best with the sun behind them, and others with the sun
full upon them; and it is rather singular, that to the former
belong all natural objects, such as Woods, Trees, Lawn, Water,
and distant Mountains; while to the latter belong all artifcial
objects, such as Houses, Bridges, Roads, Boats, Arable-fields,
and distant Towns or Villages.
In the progress of this work I shall have occasion to call
the reader's attention to the principles here assumed, and which,
in certain situations, are of great importance, and require to be
well considered.