Combermere* 151 



broad acres of model farm-land ; then along a lane, with 

 a large mill-pond upon the left, containing water-lilies, 

 both white and yellow, and a forest of Stir* pus lacus'tris; 

 then through a green corridor of trees upon the right, 

 floored with grass, and with broad borders of wild- 

 flowers, like the illumination of a missal, this last being 

 on the frontiers of the park. A little farther on we 

 come to the mere a noble semicircular sheet of water 

 more than a mile in length, covering 130 acres, much 

 too irregular in form to be seen at once in its full extent, 

 and surrounded almost entirely by delightful woods. The 

 principal source of supply to it is the little river Comber, 

 which the mere entirely absorbs, but after the manner of 

 the Caspian Sea, (which receives, but never gives,) with- 

 out originating any stream that shall move elsewhere. 

 The mere is noted for the abundance and size of its fish, 

 especially pike and perch. 



Pursuing our way, beneath limes, oaks, and beeches 

 that are nowhere excelled in Cheshire, we arrive at a 

 cottage, with ivied verandah and sloping lawn ; and 

 here, parties privileged to enter these charming grounds 

 generally have the additional privilege of the use of 

 boats. As the water is 60 or 70 feet deep, it is prudent 

 for those who use them to secure pilots who cannot 

 swim, since, whatever their concern or unconcern for 

 the safety of others, they will be sure to take care 

 on their own account. The residence, called " Comber- 

 mere Abbey," is exactly opposite. It is a pretty, but 



