little group of the same species; which he mingled
together not in sharp and distinct contrast, but in regular gradation
of colors, such as we see in nature.

Sonnenkamp smiled in a very friendly way, when Eric, in order to show
that he comprehended, replied, that a park must appear to be nature
brought into a state of cultivation; and that the more one knows how to
conceal the shaping hand and the disposing human genius, and allows all
to appear as a spontaneous growth, so much the more is it in accordance
with the pure laws of art.

A little brook, which came down from the mountain and emptied into
the river, was made to wind about with such skill, that it kept
disappearing and appearing again at unexpected points, saying by its
murmur, "Here I am."

In the disposition of resting-places, particularly good judgment was
exhibited. Under a solitary weeping-ash that cast a perfectly circular
shadow, a pretty seat was placed for a single person, and it seemed to
say invitingly, "Here thou canst be alone!" The seat, however, was
turned over, and leaned up against the tree.

"This is my daughter's favorite spot," Sonnenkamp said.

"And have you turned over the seat, so that no one may occupy it before
your child returns?"

"No," Sonnenkamp replied, "that is entirely by chance, but you are
right, so it shall be."

The two went on farther, but Eric hardly saw the beautiful, comfortable
benches, and hardly listened while Sonnenkamp declared to him that he
did not place these on the open path, but behind shrubbery, so that
here was a solitude all ready made.

A table was placed under a beautiful maple, with two seats opposite one
another. Sonnenkamp announced that this place was named the school; for
here Roland at intervals received instruction. Eric rejoined that he
never should teach sitting in the open air; it was natural to give
instruction while walking, but regular, definite teaching, which
demanded concentration of the mind, demanded also an enclosed space in
which the voice would not be utterly lost.

Sonnenkamp had now a good opportunity to tell Eric what conclusion he
had arrived at in regard to the matter in hand, but he was silent. As
an artist takes delight in the criticisms of an intelligent observer,
who unfolds to him concealed beauties which he was hardly aware of
himself, so he took delight in perceiving how understandingly, and with
how much gratification, Eric took note of the various improvement