Before the Frost, 129 



hunted separately, so that no chance might be 

 lost. 



During my stay amongst the hospitable inhabitants 

 of Devon and Somerset, I have on many occasions 

 heard expressions of regret that these lovely counties 

 have never been visited by the Prince and Princess 

 of Wales. Had I the ear of these illustrious person- 

 ages, I would tell them that, until they visit these 

 parts, they will not have seen the loveliest portion of 

 their dominions. 



Grander scenery there may be, more beautiful it 

 would be impossible to find. If any one doubts me, 

 let him ride in the middle of August from Dulverton, 

 following the course of the swiftly-flowing river Barle, 

 pausing at Castle Bridge, where the waters of Danes 

 Brook mingle with it ; there, seated beneath the 

 magnificent and widely-spreading beech tree, which 

 drips into two counties and three parishes, let him 

 tell me if he has ever seen so lovely a piece of sylvan 

 scenery. Let him stand for a Avhile on the bridge 

 and watch the trout leap, or mayhap a salmon rise 

 on its journey up stream to Withypool. Note the 

 remarkable variety of ferns, the luxuriant foliage ; 

 listen to the babbhng of the stream, the music of the 

 birds, the chattering of the jays; observe the king- 

 fisher flitting over the stream, the white-breasted 

 ousel winging its way along the waters, the rabbits 

 scuttling across the pathways, and the timid hare 

 stopping to observe who it is that intrudes on her 

 haunts. Then let him cross the stream, at the curious 

 and beautiful Torr Steps — druidical remains, I ima- 

 gine — and wend his way to Hawkridge Common, and, 

 whichever way his eye travels, he will see vast tracts 



I 



