90 PAPERS, ETC. 



the country, though they largely adopted and used the 

 British trackways already formed, which sulted their 

 purpose. 



On contemplatlng those remalns, the work of men whoso 

 bones for many centuries have mingled with the dust, and 

 on witnessing those vestiges of military skill, whIch was 

 requislte when this country was in a State of warfare, the 

 mlnd is led into an awful yet pleasing feeling of veneratlon. 

 This classic spot, Hamdon Hill, which once resounded with 

 the clang of arms, and the clamour of sanguinary strife, is 

 now the retreat of rural quiet, and sllence, unbroken, except 

 by the tinkling of the sheep-bell, the simple strains of the 

 shephcrd boy attending his flock, or occasionally by the 

 merry music of a pic-nic party. It is a matter of grateful 

 felicitation that we are now living in an era when the pro- 

 gress of civilization, the march of intellect, and, above all, 

 the benign influence of Christianity, have rendered such 

 fortresses no longer necessary ; for in this favored country, 

 once the scene of idolatrous superstitlon and savage life ; 

 and since that of civil warfare and intestine commotion ; we 

 are now allowed to slt each " under his own vine and fig- 

 tree," and enjoy the bountiful gifts of a kind Providence 

 in peace and safety. 



