WESTMORLAND, CUMBERLAND, Duckam, Northumberlane, Illustrated. FROM ORIGINAL DRAWINGS BY THOMAS ALLOM, &c. CUMBERLAND, DURHAM, AND NORTHUMBERLAND, Ellustrated. FROM ORIGINAL DRAWINGS BY THOMAS ALLOM, GEORGE PICKERING, &c. WITH DESCRIPTIONS BY T. ROSE. "HILLS WITH MANY A SHAGGY FOREST MIXED, WITH MANY A SABLE CLIFF AND GLITTERING STREAM. THE BROWN WOODS WAVE; WHILE EVER TRICKLING SPRINGS THE CRUMBLING SOIL, AND STILL AT EVERY FALL, DOWN THE STEEP WINDINGS OF THE CHANNELL'D ROCKS, REMURMURING RUSH THE CONGREGATED FLOODS, WITH HOARSER INUNDATION; TILL AT LAST, REACHING THE PLAIN, CLEARER THAN GLASS THEY FLOW." AKENSIDE. LONDON: H. FISHER, R. FISHER, & P. JACKSON, NEWGATE STREET. 37, QUAI DES GRANDS AUGUSTINS, PARIS. THE present day may justly be considered the Augustine age of Pictorial art. During the last few years, the most energetic and successful efforts have been made by Publishers and British Painters to create a refined taste throughout the nation for faithful and vivid delineations of native scenery. With true patriot feeling, they have sought out the charming picturesque of their own country; and revealed, with Claude-like grace and effect (the, might we not say) unequalled beauty of a British Landscape. The introduction of steel-plate engraving also lent powerful co-operation to their labours, and contributed in no small degree to produce a new era in the empire of taste. The Painter's single copy could be possessed but by one, be seen, comparatively, by few; but when transferred by a skilful Engraver to a plate of steel, so great a number of fine impressions can be taken, that the treasures of art are sold at a price so trifling, as to place these beautiful productions within the reach of all who take interest in them, and who does not ? Amidst the laudable efforts which are being made in the present day, to render each cherished spot of earth "the mind's familiar image," it might well excite surprise if the pencil and burin sought not employment in delineating the LAKE AND MOUNTAIN SCENERY of "our native land." With what success the attempt has been attended, let the numerous specimens of art contained in this Work declare. The sublime and beautiful in nature-all that renders earth" an Eden scarce defaced"-are here reflected in a mirror more potent than the wizard's glass. This collection of native scenery should kindle love of country in the hearts of all: it is a faithful transcript of "father-land," on which an Englishman may look with pride. Admit it—a cheerful visitant to the domestic hearth. It will speak to you of your country; and in the festive seasons of mirth and gaiety, no less than in the hour of calm reflection, it will remind you "'tis your country still." To give an idea of the magnitude of this undertaking, and the fearless enterprise with which the Proprietors engaged in it, a statement is subjoined, shewing the extent of capital employed in the Work. It is pleasing to add, that whilst its thousands of Subscribers are unanimous in expressing satisfaction and delight, the Publishers, and all who, under their direction, aided the progress of the Work, have no reason to adopt the language of complaint. |