As the day was fine, he said he should like to ramble about the neighbourhood, and enjoy the fresh air.

His attention was soon drawn to some very beautiful new cottages.
"These," said he, "are no doubt erected at the expense, and for the gratification of some great landed proprietor.

They are not the abodes of ordinary labourers, but designed for some favoured dependant or aged servant.

They are expensive toys, but still they are not without their use.

They diffuse a taste among the peasantry--they present them with models, which, though they cannot imitate in costliness of material or finish, they can copy in arrangement, and in that sort of decoration, which flowers, and vines, and culture, and care can give.