36 
history attaching to the fells and dales, and to those who have 
dwelt there in the near and distant past, that finds but slight 
record in their pages, or indeed within the circumscribed limits 
of any guide book. We may be told that our ideal is an im- 
possible one to realize, but let us hope that someone may yet be 
found who will tell the tale that will invest these valleys, lakes, 
and hills, with an interest second only to the marvel of their 
perfect natural beauty. There is no place in England where 
the remains of the earlier inhabitants—Roman, British or what- 
ever they may be, for it is a disputed point—are so numerous 
and instructive. There are not only the so-called Druid circles 
of Keswick, Long Meg and her daughters near Langwathby, 
and others of like origin, but many Roman Camps, some of 
considerable size, and numbers of small earthworks and other 
remains of various races that tell of a large population even in 
the remote past; and judging by such examples as the Gosforth 
and other crosses, the Hog-backed stones at Penrith and the 
many fine Roman remains still to be seen in the districts, ot 
very considerable civilization. 
The cross in the churchyard at Gosforth is certainly one of 
the most interesting relics to Englishmen in existence, not only 
from its great antiquity—dating as it does from Saxon times— 
but also on account of its singular artistic beauty. 
Opinions on even the beauty, interest, and advantages, of such 
a favoured land as this will and do vary. A good woman was 
overheard to ask a fellow tripper as they wended their way from 
Waterhead to Ambleside—‘ Well, Martha, what dost think o’ 
this place?” ‘A! Mary I reckon nowt on it, may be if these 
great hills were out o’t road one might see summut.’”’ Charles 
Lamb once ventured down to Keswick to visit his friend Words- 
worth, and for a few hours was entranced by the natural beauty, 
but after a brief sojourn he hastened back to London; such 
scenes were to him nothing in comparison to the excitement he 
derived from a contemplation of the ever-varying crowds and 
bustle of his beloved Fleet Street. In conclusion Mr. Nicholson 
related many anecdotes about the peasantry and their sports, the 
coaching past and present, and the famous men and women 
who have dwelt in this beautiful land. 
