2 THE INTERESTING SCENERY IN THE 



In detailing my observations on the subject of the 

 Cave; I shall first offer some thoughts, on the 

 Interesting scenery in the immediate >icim"<y of 

 it; proceed in the next place to an account of its 

 Geological situation) and a description of the 

 Cave itself ; enumerate the animal remains found 

 in it ; and then offer some thoughts relative to 

 its date. 



Kirkdale is one of those situations, calculated 

 to concentrate the energies of the mind, and dra\y 

 its reflective powers into action : Its hanging 

 woods ; its ancient ahd secluded Church ; its retir- 

 ed situation ; and its convenient distance from socie- 

 ty ; render it extremely agreeable : its vernal season, 

 and the succeeding periods of Summer and Autumn, 

 produce the most soothing sensations, and compose 

 (he mind into a kind of temporary forgetfulness 

 of the inconveniences attendant on the bustle of 

 active life. Many a time have I wandered from the 

 site of a neighbouring Town, to enjoy those agrce- 

 ble feelings, excited by the singing of birds, th(J 

 humming of bees, and the added luxury of a shady 

 retreat, from the intensity of the beams of a 

 cloudless Sun. There, imagination seemed like a 

 prisoner, freed from his confinement, to roam in 

 the regions of liberty, and derive that information, 

 which only could be acquired in a situation like 

 this. The traveller, whose mind is not impervious 

 to the beauties of rural Scenery, when on his wajf 

 from Helmsley to Kirkby-Moorside, as he ap- 

 proaches the brow of the Hill on the West side 

 of the Valley of Kirkdale, is struck with 



