100 A SPRING RAMBLE. 



which has often called forth my admiration. The spot on which we stood 

 commanded a fine view of the broad Ouse, glittering in the sunshine, and 

 studded with vessels of all sizes, from the stately brig, to the little fishing 

 boat whose sail looked a mere spot on the calm waters ; and one or two 

 steamers were impetuously pursuing their onward course, regardless of wind 

 and current, leaving a long train of black smoke hovering in their wake ; the 

 open waters of the Wash forming the horizon. On the right, a long heath- 

 covered hill, ending, before it reached the shore, in an abrupt headland, 

 intercepted the view, at about two miles distance ; the inteiwening country 

 being beautifully varied with hills, woods, and dales. On turning to the left, 

 the town and harbour of Lynn formed the chief objects in the distance; the 

 fine old church of St. Margaret, and the spire of St. Nicholas, (lately taken 

 down,) wei-e well known features in the landscape ; the masts in the harbour 

 forming the background. I well remember the first lovely summer's evening, 

 when, just as the sun was setting, I first saw this view from the spot on 

 which we were standing ; I had often seen it from other points, but it broke 

 upon me so suddenly, on leaving the dark Fir plantation, that I was perfectly 

 enraptured. It may be that old associations have endeared these scenes to 

 me, but I never behold them witliout feeling emotions of the most exquisite 

 pleasure. 



We soon reached another turnpike, leading to Castle Rising ; and here my 

 friend left me, he proceeding to Wolferton wood, and I continuing my way 

 over the heath to Wootton. As I walked along, a Viper lay basking in the 

 sun, and I had almost stepped upon it before we were aware of each other's 

 presence ; when it soon disappeared in a mound of green moss. Amved at 

 the fann-house of my friend, I was received with unfeigned kindness ; and, 

 after changing my wet and muddy clothes, did ample justice to his 

 hospitality 



I fear I have already trespassed too long, but cannot conclude without 

 saying a few words on the benefits to be derived from such quiet rambles as 

 I have endeavoured to describe. Not only is the body refreshed and in- 

 vigorated, but a healthy tone is given to the mind. The more we study 

 Nature's laws, the more shall we be impressed with the beauty and harmony 

 of their arrangement ; and the more shall we feel our own insignificance, 

 compared with Him who could frame laws which should be immutable from 

 the first, and yet perfect in everything ! In the solitude of the wood or 

 heath, the naturalist finds every facility for quiet meditation ; and, with- 

 drawing from all the cares and anxieties of the world, resigns himself wholly 

 to the soothing and calming influences of the scene ai'ound. The solemn 

 stillness of the wood is only broken by the subdued cooing of the Ringdove, 

 the distant caw of the I'estless Rook, the laughing note of the Green Wood- 

 pecker, or the sudden flight of a startled Blackbird, as he seeks shelter from 

 the intruder in the tangled copse. And thus he wanders on, treading a 



