M^^tzni ot ^atitilefiacft. 265 



not much in the way of explanation : but it is, as far as we 

 know, all that can be had at present. These facts, how- 

 ever, brought out a good many more ; as the spectral march 

 of the same kind seen in Leicestershire, in 1107: and the 

 tradition of the tramp of armies over Helvellyn, on the eve 

 of the battle of Marston Moor. And now the tourist may 

 proceed, — looking for ghosts, if he pleases, on Souther Fell. 

 Here, too, lies another wonder, — that tarn (Scales Tarn) 

 which is said to reflect the stars at noonday, — a marvel 

 which we by no means undertake to avouch. The tarn is 

 situated at the foot of a vast precipice, and so buried among 

 crags, that the sun never reaches it, except through a crevice 

 in early morning. This dark water is one of the attractions 

 which bring strangers to this mountain ; though the easy 

 ascent of Skiddaw better suits the greater number. Another 

 attraction here is the deeper solitude of the recess of old 

 Blencathra, — as Saddleback should still be called. An- 

 other IS the view of Derwentwater from the summit. Sou- 

 they says, ' Derwentwater, as seen from the top of Saddle- 

 back, is one of the finest mountain scenes in the country.' 

 The summit is called Linthwaite Fell ; and there the guide 

 will point out the various objects, seas, islands, castles in 

 their woods, and cities of the plain; mountains, far and 

 near; shores, like the boundaries of an estate, and lakes 

 like its fish-ponds. People, who made the ascent sixty years 

 since, have left a terrifying account of its dangers, such as 

 now excites a smile among energetic tourists. One gentle- 

 man was so * astonished with the difierent appearance of 

 objects in the valley beneath,' that he chose to stay behind. 

 Another of the party presently * wished to lose no blood 

 and return : ' but he was coaxed onward to the tarn, where, 

 however, he could see no stars, though it was noonday. Mr. 

 Green, with his companion, Mr. Otley, was among the early 



