In looking over the preceding chapter it occurred to me that I had omitted something, or rather that it would have been well to drop a word of warning to those who have the desire to revisit a place where they have experienced a delightful surprise.

Alas! they cannot have that sensation a second time, and on this account alone the mental image must always be better than its reality.

Let the image--the first sharp impression--content us.

Many a beautiful picture is spoilt by the artist who cannot be satisfied that he has made the best of his subject, and retouching his canvas to bring out some subtle charm which made the work a success loses it altogether.

So in going back, the result of the inevitable disillusionment is that the early mental picture loses something of its original freshness.