A BOTANICAL TOUR THROUGH SOUTH WALES, &c. 255 



Apologizing for disturbing my reveries, he kindly informed me how I might 

 cross to the other side of the vale, returning by Aberdilais Mill and Water-fall. 

 I was much pleased then with Aberdilais, its rocky islet, and the enormous 

 masses of rock at the base of the fall, though the height itself was inconsidera- 

 ble. But alas ! a steam-mill now deforms the scene, whose noise and smoke 

 scares away the lovers of Nature and solitude. At the time to which I allude, 

 one of the miller's family led me by a rude flight of steps to the summit of the 

 rocky islet on one side of the mill, from whence the best view of the cascade was 

 to be obtained. This islet I found overgrown with the Rhamnus frangula in 

 profusion, and I was told various birds visited the rock to devour the berries. 

 In the afternoon of that same day, as I was proceeding by the mail from Neath 

 to Merthur, my friend of the knapsack appeared in front of the " Lamb and Flag" 

 as the mail stopped there to change horses, and, addressing me, observed — this is 

 the land of water-falls, for I am told five lie within a few miles of this inn. — 

 Then, said I, this night I repose at the Lamb and Flag; — and at the Lamb and 

 Flag again I am. 



" This is the land of water-falls" observed my friend of the knapsack, and 

 truly on that occasion I found it so, for the morning opened with torrents of rain, 

 and before the day closed I was over the water, under the water, and in the 

 water. In the present instance I was more fortunate, and meeting with an 

 intelligent man, a native of the district, who happened to be out of a situation, 

 I determined, under his guidance, to visit the water-falls of the Hepste and 

 Mellte, as well as the singular cavern called Porth-yr-ogof, through which the 

 latter river flows, all in one excursion. We first proceeded to Pond-nedd- 

 vechan, the bridge over the little river Nedd, where there are a few Welch 

 cottages, the celebrated "Angel Inn" of various tourists, and an unpicturesque 

 little chapel. I saw nothing in the Angel to tempt me to exchange it for the 

 Lamb and Flag, though in former days Mr. Warner and other travellers were 

 compelled to use it in default of better quarters. I have no doubt, however, 

 the civility of its hostess has improved since the day when, as I was informed, 

 she refused after night-fall to admit Sir William Heygate, who was then 

 travelling with a friend or two, and wished accommodation there, but the stern 

 portress, entrenched within her fortress, vowed, that after sun-set she would not 

 admit the Lord Mayor of London himself! The Lamb and Flag, which is said 

 to have arisen from this circumstance, renders such rude " Carinthian"* proceed- 

 ings now no longer heard of. 



I had forgotten my resolution to abandon subterranean explorations, and I 



" The rude Carinthian boor, 



Against the houseless stranger shuts his door."— Goldsmith. 



