NUNNINOTOW. 183 



avenue of limes and sycamores, nearly half a mile 

 in length, and extending from the bridge to the 

 brow of the hill, well known by the appellation of 

 Cauklass, a corruption of cauklays, or chalklands, 

 the substratum of the hill consisting of limestone 

 rock, covered with a thin layer of mould. 



This hill is celebrated both for the salubrity of 

 its air, and the beautiful views which it commands. 

 The surface, before the inclosure took place, was 

 covered with a strong bent, a kind of short, coarse, 

 elastic grass, similar to that on the training ground, 

 Hambleton, and being a mile or more in extent was 

 formerly used, occasionally, for a similar purpose; 

 and at some distant period, as appears from the old 

 map and plan, before-mentioned, was a race course; 

 at the western extremity of which, near Stonegrave> 

 was erected a stand. This course has run parallel 

 to, if not in the very line of the present avenue of 

 aged firs, which crowns the summit of the hill, and 

 forms so conspicuous an object, in whatever directi- 

 on it is approached. 



Cauklass is an oblong hill, running east and 

 west, gradually sloping on the north, but on the 

 south, steep and abrupt; and being situated between 

 two lovely vales, commands one of the most beau- 

 tiful and extensive prospects in the neighbourhood ; 

 and though in the immediate vicinity of the grounds 

 at Castle-Howard, Gilling, and Duncombe Park, 

 need not shrink from a comparison of their beau- 

 ties. From hence on a clear day, may be seen 

 distinctly no less than 22 towns, villages, and ham- 

 lets, and 16 churches. In the southern vale the 



