BIRD LIFE, ETC. 195 



38. — Scene at Torquay. 



It is well that the observations from which these 

 descriptions have been prepared were made many 

 years ago, Avhen I was full of enthusiasm, and enjoyed 

 the blessings of health and freedom from engrossing 

 public duties ; for I am persuaded that now I should 

 be in some respects less qualified for the task, more, 

 however, from the failure of physical than of mental 

 power. Here, on the rocky promontory, I shiver in 

 the breeze which, to my companion, is but cool and 

 bracing. The east wind ruffles the sea, and impels 

 the little waves to the shores of the beautiful bay, 

 which present alternate cliffs of red sandstone and 

 beaches of yellow sand, backed by undulated heights 

 and gentle acclivities, slowly rising to the not distant 

 liorizon, fields and woods, with villages and scattered 

 villas forming — not wild nor altogether tame — a pleas- 

 ing landscape which, in its summer and autumn 

 garniture of grass and corn, and sylvan verdure, 

 orchard blossom and fruit, tangled fence -bank and 

 furze-clad common, will be beautiful indeed to the 

 lover of Nature. Then the balmy breezes from the 

 west and south will waft health to the reviving 

 invalid. At present the cold vernal gales sweep along 

 the channel, conveying to its haven the extended 

 fleet of boats that render Brixham, on the opposite 

 horn of the bay, one of the most celebrated of the 

 southern fishing-stations of England. High over the 



