HOVINGHAM. 207 



That might have ribb'd the sides and piank'dthe deck 

 Of some flagg'd admiral. 



The pleasure grounds and woods belonging to the 

 Worsleys, are beautiful, romantic, and diversified. 

 From the bridge which stands at the head of a fine 

 sheet of water, an interesting view is caught of the 

 hall on the one hand, and on the other of a narrow 

 vale, which extends itself to the neighbouring mill. 



Down this vale a rivulet winds its silent course 



> 



intersecting the extensive pastures which occupy the 

 lower grounds, and extend themselves halfway up 

 the slope of the surrounding hills; the brow and 

 steeper parts of which, crowned \*ith woods, ter- 

 minate the scene. The cattle of the poorer villagers, 

 to whose use this pasture is generously appropria- 

 ted, when seen scattered along this lovely vale, or 

 browsing upon the banks of the adjoining lake, add, 

 tothe eye of the philanthropist, a peculiar interest 

 to the scene. 



During their annual festival, in the autumn, the 

 crowds of gaily dressed inhabitants, or their visitors, 

 which pour from the village, covering the sides of 

 the hill, to witness the rural sports and festivity in 

 the vale below, give a liveliness, gaiety, and ani- 

 mation to this scene ; which is not less lovely when 

 traversed by the silent footstep, or contemplative 

 eye. From one particular station in the grounds, 

 a rude seat of stones encircling an aged fir, and well 

 known to the inhabitants by the name of the Pick- 

 ering knoll, a very rich and extensive prospect 

 presents itself. 



Looking down the vale, and over the grounds 



