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and inferior oolite had not much of interest certainly to note en 

 route, save that they were uncomfortably sensible that the rain hid 

 from their view a very fine country; and that they had an 

 opportunity of verifying the truth of the proverb that 

 " Easterly rain 

 Makes fools fain" — 



by the false hopes with which the breaking clouds now and then 

 inspired them. On the arrival of the party at the city of the 

 " clear brook," as its Saxon name seems to import, a most hospitable 

 reception awaited them at the Castle, where the courteous owner, 

 G. W. Digby, Esq. — so far renowned for his generous liberality — 

 had provided a hmcheon for a much larger number than actually 

 partook of it, in Sir Walter Kaleigh's room, which is in the centre 

 of- the ground plan forming the letter H, and the oldest part of the 

 house. After luncheon, and due acknowledgment having been 

 made of Mr. Digby's kindness, the members proceeded to inspect the 

 fine portraits, under the guidance of the Rev. R. H. W. Digby and 

 the agent of the estate, Mr. Ffooks. The pictures, though few in 

 number, are each of them valuable both as works of ai-t and for 

 their historical associations. The celebrated picture of Queen 

 Elizabeth, carried in a chair of state by some of the chief nobles 

 of her time to the marriage of one of her ladies in waiting, with 

 the Knights of the Garter conspiciious in the foreground — each 

 figure said to be a portrait — was recognised by several as having been 

 sent to the Kensington Exhibition. Amongst others which claimed 

 more than a passing attention were portraits by Vandyke of Sir 

 Kenelm Digby and of John, first Earl of Bristol, and lady, with 

 two children admirably done but inserted by another artist ; a 

 portrait by Sir Peter Lely of Robert, first Lord Digby, and several 

 others of the family, by the same great porti-ait painters. A small 

 picture of Sir Walter Raleigh on copper, and the portrait of the 

 sharp-featured " Concilii Tx'identini Eviscerator" (Melancthon). 

 The fine view from the windows of park, woody knolls, and grassy 

 slopes was sadly marred by the rain. Leaving the house, and 

 taking a passing glance at the Roman pavement with the two 

 spirited figures of the lyre and the double flute players, the lake 

 was crossed and due honour paid to the grove planted by Sir 



