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miles in length and one in breadth; and abounds with trout, eels, and a fish called skelly or gwiniads, with a few char, but of an inferior quality. The depth of the lake is very considerable, especially in the vicinity of Patterdale, where it is thirty-five fathoms.

This beautiful expanse of water is surrounded on every side, except on the east, by mountain ranges, some of which ascend to a great altitude. Towards Pooley Bridge, however, lying at the foot of the lake and at its northern extremity, they reach but a slight elevation, and are appropriated to the purposes of the farmer, in growing corn and depasturing cattle. But as the traveller approaches the head of the lake, they assume forms of most romantic character and grandeur, both in size and loftiness, while their towering summits penetrate the clouds. The lake lies embosomed within the two counties of Cumberland and Westmoreland; the waters of its eastern and southern shores, and a small part of its northern, washing the latter, and those of the western, the former.

The day appointed for the excursion dawned brightly and propitiously. It had been arranged by Mr. and Mrs. Sandford, in order to diversify as much as possible the scenery, and the pleasures of the day, for the gratification of their friend, to proceed in a carriage to the foot of the lake at Pooley Bridge, along the north-western shore, and return by water to Patterdale, lying at the head of it. The advantage of this arrangement is, that the perspective of the latter, as well as the long approach to it, unites, beyond comparison, the most splendid scenery on the lake; and well merits that the face, rather than the back, should be turned towards it, when sailing on this noble sheet of water.

After partaking of an abundant breakfast, a commodious open carriage drew up to the door, when Mrs. Gracelove, Mr. and Mrs. Sandford, and their daughter Clara, the subject of

the grave discussion now in agitation, took their places, and were immediately en route to the foot of Ullswater.

After passing Glenridding, and the picturesque cottage of the Rev. H. Askew; Stybarrow Crag with its rugged and lofty hill ornamented with oaks; and Glencoyne, the property of the Duke of Norfolk, situated in a lovely valley through which meanders a streamlet dividing the two counties; they arrived at the beautiful domain of Gowbarrow Park. Through this fine property the road passes to the extent of three miles, and which formerly belonged also to his Grace of Norfolk. Lyulph's Tower, situated within its precincts, was erected by his Grace as a hunting-box, and from the summit of which a most interesting view is obtained of the lake, and its bordering mountains.

The party here descended from their carriage to visit the romantic cascade of Airey Force. It is situated at a short distance from the tower, secluded amid enormous rocks and groves of trees; and falls down a tremendous chasm to the depth of eighty feet.

Returning to their vehicle, they passed, on the right of the road, the fine rocky prominence of Yew Crag; and beyond this, the delightful residence of the late John Marshall, Esq., called Hallsteads, gracefully embowered in woods, and resting on a gentle eminence that stretches into the lake, and commanding a noble prospect. Further onward, they passed, in succession, a number of gentlemen's seats that adorn the banks of the bright waters they were skirting. Among the most conspicuous of these are, Lemon House, belonging to John Raw, Esq.; Beauthorn Cottage, and the beautiful mansion of Watermillock, the property of Jonathan Scott, Esq.; and Rampsbeck Lodge, the picturesque villa of B. E. Stag, Esq.; at which latter is a fourteen-gun battery, adding a novel interest to the rural scene. The whole of these elegant

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