FOREWORD. OF the Idyllists who form the subject-matter of the present volume, the majority have been reviewed so frequently, and, in numerous instances, by such distinguished hands, that any further reference may seem uncalled for. To this it may be briefly stated that each eye regards things differently, and mirrors impressions from a variant point of view. Indeed, many striking characteristics of the authors under consideration have not been touched upon by their commentators, or at least have received but a passing glance. It was deemed, moreover, that a grouping of those who have written most pleasingly of the Country-Side, together with comparative references to their scope and method, would prove of interest to all those who possess a love for Nature and Nature's works, - that Nature who alone from spring to spring retains her youth, and whose charms remain forever new. Schönberg, ROCHESTER, 1895. G. H. E. |