ENVIRONS OP BATH. 223 



or secluded as desirable, is less disturbed by visitors than any other spot 

 within reach of a moderate walk. I am therefore content to make the 

 best of it, and even in its limited space manage to find amusement; but 

 it is grievous to say that a mischievous spirit has found entrance, of which 

 there is evidence to be seen at every visit; the following is an instance: — 

 One morning at the beginning of April, soon after sunrise, I was just 

 entering the place, the chorus of songsters induced me to sit upon the gate 

 leading into the field, and listen to the chorus of their varied notes; 

 the grass was loaded with crystal drops of dew, sparkling like diamonds 

 in the morning sun; increasing pleasure was gradually stealing over me, 

 when my contemplations were suddenly roused by sharp painful sounds, 

 and upon looking round saw a ruffian of a fellow striding towards me 

 with a blackbird in his rude grasp; he had just knocked it down with a 

 clod of earth, the blow had struck the poor thing on the head, filling 

 one of its eyes with dirt, which the unfeeling captor was wiping out with 

 a rough cotton handkerchief. With great difficulty I controled my dis- 

 gust, and mildly remonstrated upon the cruelty of the act, but with very 

 little effect. Another instance came under my observation this afternoon, 

 and the vexation being fresh in my mind I cannot forbear relating it. 

 The day has been remarkably fine, and now whilst I am writing at a 

 window looking to the west, the sun is slowly descending a little to the 

 north of west, at an opening between two high hills, with majestic brilli- 

 ancy, and the crimson tints of the sky as he gradually disappears in the 

 distant horizon, is a study for the artist, which must be seen to be 

 appreciated — but is there pencil or art capable of pourtraying the liquid 

 fire of the glorious luminary, richer than molten gold. Pardon this 

 digression; the sublimity and grandeur of the scene will excuse it. 



I had been to the dell this morning and the beauty of the afternoon 

 induced me to go again. Among the several objects of interest were a pair 

 of Magpies. They had built their nest nearly at the top of one of the 

 loftiest trees; both birds were often seen: but, although so high, they 

 always flew away at my approach. From seeing one only lately I conclude 

 the other was sitting in the nest, which is admirably adapted for conceal- 

 ment, being covered at the top, and entered by a small hole at the 

 side, through which it is surprising how so large a bird can enter. I 

 had flattered myself this pair of birds, from the elevated situation of 

 their nest, were safe from molestation; but the event proves otherwise, for 

 upon my visit this afternoon neither bird could be seen, and the feathers 

 of a Magpie scattered over the grass plainly told their fate. 



The Swallows, which appeared here in such numbers on the 11th. of 

 April, went away nearly as suddenly as they came; even up to the 18th. 

 on which day the weather was equally fine and warm, scarcely one was 



