296 MEADFOOT AND THE STARFISH. 



black repose out of the glistening sheen, served as a 

 foil to the mirrory brightness of the water. 



Charming it was to sit and gaze on the lovely 

 scene. The exertion of walking and collecting had 

 given just enough of fatigue to the muscular system 

 to make the dolce far niente a luxury. Under the 

 shadow of a great angular block, I reclined, enjoying 

 the beauty and exhilaration of the sunlight, while 

 relieved from its oppression. Most brilliant was the 

 flood of light with which every object was suffused in 

 the unclouded blaze of that summer noon. How fine 

 was the interchange of broad light and deep dark 

 shadow, on those angular limestone cliffs I How 

 glowing the coloured breadths of golden furze and 

 purple-sheeted heath, expanded sea and vaulted sky ! 

 How soothing the warblings of the merry birds com- 

 ing up from the earth on every side, and coming down 

 from the beaming sky, where the dazzled eye vainly 

 sought the soaring songster ! 



But up, and to work again. As yet I have seen 

 no trace of the horn-poppy; though it was seen plen- 

 tifully in blossom hereabout a day or two ago. I 

 roam to and fro along the irregular slope towards 

 Meadfoot, searching the different levels. Yonder is 

 the fennel growing profusely. Ha ! my informant 

 told me that I should find the Glaucium near the 

 fennel. Encouraged, I go down to the spot. More 

 fennel ! numerous tufts spring out of the rocky soil, 

 the vegetation, in its smooth, green stems, and arch- 

 ing, feathery foliage, somewhat reminding me of the 



