were written in the year 1776; since which time many of the artificial scenes taken notice of in them, have probably undergone great improvement. In fuch inftances I only fhew how much has been done, by fhewing how much was wanting.

The subject of these volumes, my Lord, is fo nearly that of a late publication on the lakes, and mountains of Cumberland, that fimilar ideas must of course frequently occur. In this cafe I have endeavoured to vary my object by throwing different lights upon it and to vary my remarks by throwing them on different circumftances.

In

In the work I have just alluded to, many thought my language too luxuriant — particularly a friend of your Lordship's, whofe practice in verfification makes his tafte the more eafily offended, when profe, deviating into poetical phrase, tranfgreffes it's proper bounds. Your Lordship's correct judgment may probably likewise have taken offence on this head. I can only fay, I endeavoured, as I could, to adapt my language to my fubject; and as picturesque description was rather a novel mode of writing, I thought I had some little right to adopt my own. But as I find many of my friends difallow my apology, I fubmit; confcious that no man is a proper judge in his own cafe. I have

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I have endeavoured therefore to make the following obfervations lefs liable to that objection.

But however juftly I may have been cenfured on this head, I have heard other criticisms, founded on plain ignorance of the fubje&. Picturesque ideas lie not in the common road of genius and learning. They require perhaps a diftinct faculty to comprehend them — at least they require more attention to the scenes of nature, and the rules of art, than men of letters in general, unless stimulated by a peculiar inclination, bestow upon them. Such men therefore are improper judges. If your Lordship's name, and countenance can skreen me from critics of this kind, I fhall rejoice

at

at having secured myself behind so good a fhield.

On the whole, if my remarks are so fortunate as to meet your Lordship's approbation; I have little doubt, but it will be an earnest of the approbation of the public. I am, my Lord, with great respect,

Your Lordship's obliged,

and moft obedient

humble fervant,

WILLIAM GILPIN.

VICAR'S-HILL, April 20, 1789.

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