"The Pastoral, as a feature in English poetry, has long ceased to
exist. The Arcadian characteristics, however, of our Australian
colonies—recently brought to light—afford every excuse for its
revival. Pope says something very clever about pastorals in
connection with Theocritus, for which see his works, and find out
the passage, if possible. A great many other writers have alluded to
the same subject."—(_See_ _British Museum Catalogue_, Vol. 1 to
398.)