10 



Thus the view may be scanned pictorially, but a more solemn feeling is induced 

 when the geologist sees the basaltic Clees towering grandly far away in the 

 prospect, and knows that all this panoramic display is due to the uplift of the 

 various Palseozooic formations by the vulcanic outburst that in remote ages 

 imagination can scarcely revert to, raised vast beds of coal and deposited strata 

 from the abysses of the primeval ocean, and elevated to the clouds all the 

 formations previously lahl in horizontal positions. 



The height of the encampment in the Forest of Deerfold was carefully 

 taken by Dr. M'Cullough by barometrical observation, in conjunction with E. J. 

 Isbell, Esq., of Hereford, and it was found to be 912 feet above sea level. The 

 altitude of the hills in the central parts of the county are as follows : Dinedor, 

 605 feet above sea-level ; Haugh Wood, 622 feet ; Credenhill Camp, 715 feet ; 

 Backbury, 728 feet ; Seagur, 886 feet ; Egdon, 842 feet ; Acornbury, 916 feet ; 

 and Garway, 1,195 feet above the sea. This hill therefore ranks amongst the 

 highest in Herefordshire. 



But from the prospect of the hill and the reflections it inspired it was neces- 

 sary to advance in accordance with the programme of the day ; and the naturalists 

 keeping to the high ground for some distance up a green romantic lane, came to 

 the wondrous ' ' Golways pool," which sadly wants an appropriate legend. Though 

 on the very brow of the hill this pool is deep and always full of water in the 

 driest of summers. Led by that indomitable observer, who has brought to light 

 so many hidden secrets of the ancient Forest of Deerfold, the way was taken over 

 mossy ground down the mountain side and through rugged lanes until on the 

 inspiriting cry of Dr. Bull a sudden pause was made, at a stony bank. Here that 

 very rare and local plant the Asarabacca was pointed out to the delighted botanists. 

 Knife and spud and trowel were quickly at work and such plunder was made of 

 the Asarabacca now fortunately in flower, that if it had not here long luxuriated 

 and extended itself untouched for years, it might have run the risk of being 

 exterminated. But however it may have got here, there is now enough to fill the 

 vasculums of all the collecting botanists who may be able to find out the spot 

 without a guide, and do not mind a long ramble to this forest seclusion. 



This curious plant the Asarum Europmum, is said in our Floras to be only 



found in " woods in the North ;" and Herefordshire has never been suspected to 



harbour it— so this is "one to the good" for Mr. Purchas's Flora of Herefordshire. 



Its broad shining reniform leaves and solitary dull purple flowers give it so 



peculiar an appearance as not to be mistaken. But what is to be said as to its being 



"truly wild" at this location? — though now spreading as freely as if Nature had 



planted it here. It must be remembered that it was formerly cultivated in rustic 



gardens, and even in the north of England and Scotland where it grows, it is said 



by those who have observed it, to be "apparently naturalized;" so here probably — 



" Near yonder copse, where once the garden smil'd, 

 And still where many a garden flower grows wild," 



it may have been planted in the garden — perhaps of some gentle nun or mediaeval 



hermit — whose little plot a succeeding cottager may have kept up, until in the 



