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ward, the eye is conducted along the Mendip ränge, with 

 the beacon and other conspicuous points on its line. This 

 line again is lost behind the bold acclivity of Creech hill, 

 near Bruton, beyond which, further Eastward, the hüls of 

 Wiltshire terminate the view, on whose nearest projecting 

 point Stands Alfred's tower, pleasingly reminding the 

 spectator from every part of this district of its association 

 with an interesting passage in early English history, and 

 with one of the greatest men and best of sovereigns who 

 have adorned the annals of our country. 



The pastures lying immediately under Cary hill are so 

 well wooded, as to give the idea, from this point, of a 

 continuous woodland; but yet are they not so thickly 

 shaded as to interfere with the production of the best 

 cheese, perhaps, in the world. The little stream, which is 

 honoured with the name of the " River Cary," takes its 

 rise from five Springs issuing from under Lodgehill. One 

 of these is called " the Lady 's Spring," probably " Our 

 Ladye's." Another, on the opposite of the sheet of water 

 in which they rise, was found enclosed in solid masonry of 

 hewn free-stone, with a covering on the top; this was 

 probably a contrivance for the supply of the Castle, which 

 stood upon the adjoining bank. After forming the lake 

 at the foot of Lodgehill, and turning the water-wheels of 

 three mills, the rivulet pursues its course to Babcary, Cary- 

 Fitzpaine, Lyte's Cary, and Cook's Cary, giving its name 

 successively to these places, and thence by Somerton, and 

 through the Sedgemoor, into the river Parrett. 



The relics of antiquity at Castle Cary are few, and 

 would be almost unworthy of notice but for some historical 

 associations of which they are suggestive. 



The name of the town itself indicates that there was 

 once within its precincts a Castle ; but the observer must 



