THE RURAL ( DISTRICTS OP BATH. 153 



exploits; for so far as the adventure which forfeited his life is here related, 

 it has nothing remarkably improbable in it. But to return to the features 

 of this wild country, which I shall refer to another chapter. 



{To be continued.) 



THE RURAL DISTRICTS OF BATH. 



BY THOMAS FULLER, ESQ. 



West of Bath is the busy village of Weston, remarkable for the 

 abundance of laundresses and of schools, occupations and establishments in 

 great request near large towns. The parish of Weston embraces a large 

 portion of the rich valley west of Bath, having on its southern boundary 

 the river Avon, and on its northern the high hill of Lansdown, part of 

 which down is included in the parish. The whole of the country between 

 ascends gradually from the banks of the Avon, in pleasing undulations, 

 until the steeper rises towards Lansdown are approached; progress then 

 becomes laborious, but the difficulties encountered are amply rewarded by 

 the varied and charming views which meet the traveller at every turn, 

 and having attained the summit of the hill, all sensation of fatigue is 

 entirely dissipated in breathing the pure invigorating atmosphere of this 

 high elevation; and in treading the soft level turf of this beautiful down 

 the pedestrian cannot but be impressed with the happiest feelings, and fully 

 appreciate the rich treat before him, in the boundless prospects not to be 

 surpassed, if equalled, in England. When his wonder and astonishment 

 has somewhat subsided, he will be able to distinguish at a little to the 

 south-east, almost under his feet, the city of Bath, with its unrivalled 

 crescents and other buildings. To the south-west at a greater distance is 

 the large commercial city of Bristol, enveloped in the dark atmosphere of 

 smoke issuing from the chimneys of its numerous furnaces and manufactories. 

 Through the rich vale between these two cities, the River Avon pursues 

 its winding course. Further off to the west the lofty hills in Monmouth- 

 shire are seen, with the noble River Severn, as it flows to the broad estuary 

 of 'King's Road/ where, joined by the Avon, and increasing in width, as- 

 sumes the name of " Bristol Channel." To the south are the Mendips and 

 other high hills in Somersetshire, with Alfred's Tower near Stourton, and 

 objects innumerable worthy of attention. If more is required the observer 

 has only to turn in a northward direction, and a short walk brings him to 

 a commanding view of the Cotswold Hills and the rich vale of Gloucester- 

 shire. A few steps further would take us into that county, but having no 

 intention of going so far on this occasion, we will retrace our steps towards 

 Weston, and descend the hill by the shortest paths through the fields to 



