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forms and surfaces, first of the swelling grounds, next of
the hills and rocks, and lastly of the mountains - an ascent
of almost regular gradation, from elegance and richness, to
their highest point of grandeur and sublimity. It follows
therefore from this, first, that these rocks, hills, and
mountains, must present themselves to view in stages rising
above each other, the mountains clustering together towards
the central point; and next, that an observer familiar with
the several vales, must, from their various positions in
relation to the sun, have had before his eyes every possible
embellishment of beauty, dignity, and splendour, which light
and shadow can bestow upon objects so diversified. For
example, in the vale of Winandermere, if the spectator looks
for gentle and lovely scenes, his eye is turned towards the
south; if for the grand, towards the north: in the vale of
Keswick, which (as hath been said) lies almost due north of
this, it is directly the reverse. Hence, when the sun is
setting in summer far to the north-west, it is seen, by the
spectator from the shores or breast of Winandermere, resting
among the summits of the loftiest mountains, some of which
will perhaps be half or wholly hidden by clouds, or by the
blaze of light which the orb diffuses around it; and the
surface of the lake will reflect before the eye
correspondent colours through every variety of beauty, and
through all degrees of splendour. In the vale of Keswick, at
the same period, the sun sets
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