40 
larch, Scots fir, and many other trees, all growing in great 
luxuriance, Our attention is directed also to stately representa- 
tives of some of the newer Conifers in an equally thriving 
condition ; and we are especially delighted with a fine grove of 
graceful birches, 60 feet or more in height, with their silvery 
bark glistening brightly in the sunshine. 
VIRGINIA WATER. 
The delightful expanse of Virginia Water now bursts upon 
our view, and driving along its edge, we vote the guide-book 
description not at all an exaggeration, where it says that 
it ‘fis a charming artificial lake, situated in the midst of all 
that is most beautiful in English scenery.” The water spark- 
ling in the sunshine is completely surrounded by densely-wooded 
heights, rising one above the other in agreeable perspective, 
so that the outer world is totally excluded from the view, 
while at the water-edge lies a rich verdant carpet of grass, 
which supplies, as it were, the “‘mount” to this exquisite sylvan 
picture. Nota sound is heard save the singing of the birds, and 
the mufiled roll of the wheels of our carriages over the springy 
turf. Allis peaceful and serene. The grounds, it seems, were 
planted and the lake formed out of a large swamp about the 
year 1790. 
It is supposed that the name “ Virginia Water” was given to 
the lake by the Duke of Cumberland and Paul Sandby, the painter, 
who constructed the lake, on the idea that it represented, ona 
small scale, the extensive forest scenery of the great State of 
Virgioia in America. George IV. used to spend a great deal of 
his time here in the summer months. It is to him, in conjunction 
with Sir Jeffrey Wyatville, the architect, that we are indebted 
for the construction of the Pagoda, which curious erection is seen 
rising on the other side of the lake, and is now known as the 
Fishing Temple; and for the ruined classic temple which stands 
in a secluded spot near the Cascade at the south-eastern end 
of the lake. 
THE CASCADE. 
Skirting the shores of this beautiful sheet of water for more 
than a mile, we arrived at the Cascade and the Robber’s Cave, 
where the party dismounted to have a closer view of them. The 
