40 Dan-bank Wood. 



considerable size. Preserved in them are numerous 

 articles of heavy domestic furniture, armour, tapestry, 

 and pictures of ancient date, and one is said to have 

 been occupied by Cromwell himself. The old oak 

 carving, which is very handsome, is also preserved. 

 What a contrast with these stirring associations the in- 

 numerable snowdrops that in early spring flood the 

 slopes and woods by the river-side ! Probably derived 

 from the garden in the first instance, they now look 

 wild as primroses.* 



Keeping past the Hall, Chadkirk left far behind, we 

 soon emerge from the park, through its ancient iron gates, 

 into the Stockport road, and crossing this, by careful 

 pursuance of lanes and fields, may before long make our 

 way to Hazel-grove station. But not a district to be 

 lightly passed over is this. Some of the most interesting 

 and romantic little dells and cloughs anywhere about 

 Manchester are here assembled, especially those called 

 Dan-bank wood and Marple wood. Access to them is 

 easy from Hazel-grove, and they have the great charm 

 of being totally free from the smoky invasions of the 

 manufacturer. By turning out of the road at Gnat-hole, 

 a romantic walk may be found also, through glen, and 

 wood, and by the rapid river, parallel with that one from 

 Otterspool to Bredbury, but upon the Offerton side of the 



* For the family particulars above given respecting Marple Hall, 

 I am indebted to the kindness and courtesy of the Rev. Charles 

 Bcllairs. 



