I Have Often Thought Of The
Half-Magical Art Of The Chinese, Feng-Shui, By Which They Discover If A
Place Be Fortunate And Fit For A House.
It seems to suggest something of
this kind, and I think there is a great deal yet to be discovered by the
diligent observation of localities.
The experience of the rudest country
rustic is not to be despised; an observation is an observation, whoever
makes it; there has been an air of too much science in the affected
derision of our forefathers' wisdom.
COUNTRY PLACES.
I.
High up and facing every one who enters a village there still remains an
old notice-board with the following inscription: - 'All persons found
wandering abroad, lying, lodging, or being in any barn, outhouse, or in
the open air, and not giving a good account of themselves, will be
apprehended as rogues and vagabonds, and be either publicly whipt or sent
to the house of correction, and afterwards disposed of according to law,
by order of the magistrates. Any person who shall apprehend any rogue or
vagabond will be entitled to a reward of ten shillings.' It very often
happens that we cannot see the times in which we actually live. A thing
must be gone by before you can see it, just as it must be printed before
it is read. This little bit of weather-stained board may serve, perhaps,
to throw up the present into a picture so that it may be visible.
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