Such a phenomenon, indeed, our reason might perhaps resolve
with a little trouble. We might reflect that the present road had
been developed out of a tract spontaneously followed by generations
of primitive wayfarers; and might see in its expression a testimony
that those generations had been affected at the same ground, one
after another, in the same manner as we are affected to-day. Or we
might carry the reflection further, and remind ourselves that where
the air is invigorating and the ground firm under the traveller's
foot, his eye is quick to take advantage of small undulations, and he
will turn carelessly aside from the direct way wherever there is
anything beautiful to examine or some promise of a wider view; so
that even a bush of wild roses may permanently bias and deform the
straight path over the meadow; whereas, where the soil is heavy, one
is preoccupied with the labour of mere progression, and goes with a
bowed head heavily and unobservantly forward. Reason, however, will
not carry us the whole way; for the sentiment often recurs in
situations where it is very hard to imagine any possible explanation;
and indeed, if we drive briskly along a good, well-made road in an
open vehicle, we shall experience this sympathy almost at its
fullest.
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