Beauty of the Lake District. 19 



ties, and which in tame situations almost compensate for the 

 boldei' features imparted by rock and mountain. Fortunate- 

 ly — and it is a happy peculiarity — high winds, in these val- 

 leys, are very i-arely, indeed, of low temperature. They are 

 very seldom below the freezing-point ; a circumstance to 

 which the comparative mildness of the winter climate of 

 the district is probably owing. It is remarkable what a 

 change of temperature takes place at night, with a serene 

 sky, as soon as the atmosphere has its stillness disturbed by 

 wind. I could mention many instances in illustration, but 

 one must suffice. At 11 o'clock at night, on the 11th of last 

 month (April), when the air was still, as well as clear, the 

 thermometer suspended in the air was at 35°, and on the 

 grass 28^. Two hours after, a moderate breeze having sprung 

 up, the thermometer on the grass had risen to 36°, and in 

 the air to 38°, the sky remaining clear, excepting in two or 

 three spots, which wei'e obscured by dark-grey clouds. 



8. It would be out of place here to speak of the beauty of 

 the Lake District, — " its staple," — with which its climate, 

 productive of 



" Cloudsj mists, streams, watery rocks, and emerald turf," 



happily harmonizes, and that in all seasons of the year, va- 

 rying constantly, and imparting variety, and almost, may I 

 say, ceaseless novelty and interest, to the face of nature, — 

 so powerfully and charmingly reflected in the poetry of Mr 

 Wordsworth. But, apart from considerations of this kind, 

 the climate of this district seems to me to be recommended 

 by circumstances connected with health and comfort, espe- 

 cially to one who has been scoi'ched by tropical heats, and is 

 familiar with the annoyances of a southern climate. Here 

 the nights, even in summer, are always cool ; and heat is 

 seldom oppressive by day, even in the height of summer. The 

 air is commonly to the feel pure, and fresh, and invigorating ; 

 and the torment from insects within doors is unknown, as 

 well as all fear from malaria fx'om exposure, even after night- 

 fall. 



Tub Oaks, Amblebxdb, May 1. 1845. 



