10 



fined to the northern counties of England, nor do I find it to be 

 recorded as a native of the southern part of our country. It is very 

 plentiful in the woods on the eastern side of the river near Tintern. 

 By following the ridge of the hill at the upper edge of the woods for 

 some distance, a remarkable projecting rock is attained, which, rising 

 out of the trees, commands a very extensive and beautiful view, and 

 is well worthy of a visit. It is called the ' Devil's Pulpit.' How re- 

 markable it is that the most curious rocks, caves, and other hollows, 

 and also some of the grandest works of man's hands, should so uni- 

 versally be attributed to the agency of that being by those who do 

 not possess the knowledge requisite for referring them to their true 

 causes. 



The summit of the hills, which form the northern extremity of the 

 Forest of Dean, and lie between the Wye and Severn, is occupied by 

 sandy tracts of heath, interspersed with woods and thickets, and only 

 partially cultivated. The plants common to such places are found 

 upon them, but I do not remember noticing any peculiar species, ex- 

 cept a sub-erect Rubus, which I have never noticed elsewhere, and 

 suspect to be undescribed. This genus is so difficult, that I am not 

 now prepared to give a more decided opinion concerning it. Al- 

 though but few plants occupied our boxes, we were fully repaid for 

 our walk, by the constant change of scene and the ever-varying pros- 

 pects afforded to us. 



On the third day we visited a lateral valley to the village of Trellech, 

 where there is a spring very strongly charged with iron, and three 

 enormous monumental stones, from which the place takes its name ; 

 but their history is lost in antiquity. We passed by the way an ex- 

 tensive peat-moss, producing the plants usually inhabiting such 

 places, and pursued our course by a hilly road to Monmouth. 



Should this sketch afibrd any gratification to its readers, or lead 

 any of them to visit the district, and explore it for themselves, it will 

 have fulfilled one object which I have had in view, the other being 

 to show my satisfactionat the prospect of the 'Phytologist' continuing 

 to run its useful course. 



Charles C. Babington. 



St. John's College, Cambridge, 

 December, 7, 1844. 



