THE EXCURSION. 7 



bench-ends (a sketch of which is given in the present 

 volurae), is an indication of the extent to which cloth- 

 manufactures were at one time carried on in the West, 

 and the associated alms-chest (likewise given amoiig the 

 illustrations) would seem to indicate that the manufacturers 

 were not. unmindful of the Obligation of Christian charity. 



From this point the excursionists began to ascend the 

 flanks of the Quantocks, passing by Plansfield, once the 

 residence of the Blakes, and no doubt the favorite resort 

 of the great Admiral of that name in his boyhood. Avail- 

 ing themselves of Mr. Labouchere's new drive, the party 

 reached the heights of Quantock, enjoyed the varied and 

 picturesque beauty of the richly wooded combes, in close 

 proximity with the heather of the unenclosed grounds, 

 and also the magnificent picture northwards, embracing the 

 Bristol Channel with its islets dotted about, and the Welsh 

 coast, with ranges of hüls rising one above the other. The 

 outlines of a Roman Camp lately discovered by the Secre- 

 taries were pointed out, but in consequence of the rain 

 which had fallen, no attempt was made to examine it in 

 detail. The party descended by Ely Green and proceeded 

 to the site of Stowey Castle, where the Kev. F. Warre 

 explained the plan of the ancient earthworks, which he 

 pronounced to be of the aboriginal type. In later times 

 the eite had been selected for a Norman Castle, no remains 

 of which now exist, except traces of the foundations. 



From Stowey the party proceeded, through pelting 

 showers, to Stogursey, where the members were made to 

 forget the inclemency of the weather by the genial 

 hospitality of Sir Peregrine P. Acland, Bart., who had 

 caused refreshments to be provided in a tcnt erected in the 

 Castle Close, and, with Sir Alexander A. Hood, Bart., 

 wiae there himself to welcome his «niests. Excava- 



