an enlarged plan of usefulness, and with the basis of all moral
principles--respect for the virtues which are not merely the virtues
of convention.

I am, my friend, more and more convinced that a metropolis, or an
abode absolutely solitary, is the best calculated for the
improvement of the heart, as well as the understanding; whether we
desire to become acquainted with man, nature, or ourselves. Mixing
with mankind, we are obliged to examine our prejudices, and often
imperceptibly lose, as we analyse them. And in the country, growing
intimate with nature, a thousand little circumstances, unseen by
vulgar eyes, give birth to sentiments dear to the imagination, and
inquiries which expand the soul, particularly when cultivation has
not smoothed into insipidity all its originality of character.

I love the country, yet whenever I see a picturesque situation
chosen on which to erect a dwelling I am always afraid of the
improvements. It requires uncommon taste to form a whole, and to
introduce accommodations and ornaments analogous with the
surrounding-scene.

It visited, near Gothenburg, a house with improved land about it,
with which I was particularly delighted. It was close to a lake
embosomed in pine-clad rocks. In one part of the meadows your eye
was directed to the broad expanse, in another you were led into a
shade, to see a part of it, in the form of a river, rush amongst the
fragments of rocks and roots of trees; nothing seemed forced. One
recess, particularly grand and solemn amongst the towering cliffs,
had a rude stone table and seat placed in it, that might have served
for a Druid's haunt, whilst a placid stream below enlivened the