Page images
PDF
EPUB
[graphic][subsumed][ocr errors][subsumed]

blocks of which lie scattered below in all directions. Struggling along its rugged channel, is here beheld the mountain stream that falls, at no great distance, into Buttermere Lake.

The description of Gatesgarth Dale, given by Mr. Gilpin, is so graphic as well as true, that, for the gratification of the reader, it is here transcribed. He says

1ts

"The river, also, which runs through it, and is the principal supply of the lake, is as wild as the valley itself. It has no banks but the fragments of rocks; no bed but a channel composed of rocky strata, among which the water forces its course. channel, as well as its bank, is formed of loose stones and fragments, which break and divide the stream into a succession of wild impetuous eddies. A stream, which is the natural source of plenty, is perhaps, when unaccompanied with verdure, the strongest emblem of desolation. It shows the spot to be so barren that even the greatest source of abundance can produce nothing. The whole valley, indeed, joined in impressing the same idea. Fruitful Nature making, in every part of her ample range, unremitting efforts to vegetate, could not here produce a single germ."

After winding along the valley, above described, the merry party reached the edge of the lake; and passing the beautiful villa called Hassness, situated on its banks; admiring the lovely scenery before them as they slowly paced along, and pausing occasionally to prolong the pleasure, they arrived, about a mile further on, at the village of Buttermere.

This rural hamlet, placed between two lakes-Buttermere on the one hand and Crummock water on the other, separated by the distance of nearly a mile-contains scarcely more than sixteen or eighteen houses; while its miniature chapel, probably the smallest in England, is incapable of accommodating a congregation of more than forty persons.

« PreviousContinue »