Nil Despcranditm, 229 



ray of sunshine. However, I was enabled to see the 

 ruins of Otforcl Castle, which are amply sufficient to 

 prove that it must have been a grand pile of build- 

 ings once upon a time. A pleasant streamlet babbles 

 musically along, and sundry snow-white swans glide 

 over the piece of water in front of the residence of 

 Mr. Russell. Modest snowdrops are trying to force 

 their way into the world, but, in my opinion, they 

 are premature ; we have not done with winter yet, 

 I am sadly afraid. 



In the afternoon a drive through Farningham, 

 passing that well-known — to all trout fishermen, at 

 anyrate — hostelry, the Lion, now, I am told, more 

 comfortable and better conducted even than it was 

 and has been for many years. I learn that the 

 prospects for the fly-fisher are more favourable 

 than ever. Then Horton Kirby is reached, and 

 we pay a passing visit to Mr, Power at his beau- 

 tiful residence " The Franks," formerly the pro- 

 perty of the Russell family. This old Elizabethan 

 mansion is placed on the banks of the Darent, 

 which flows swiftly through these beautifully laid- 

 out grounds. Seen in spring time, when the vener- 

 able avenue is in verdure clad, and the rook, re- 

 joicing at the advent of seed-time, ceaseless caws, 

 this must be a delightful spot ; and when entering 

 the stately rooms, furnished with everything that 

 wealth and taste can suggest, statues, armour, pic- 

 tures, and costly furniture, I thought it as delight- 

 ful a residence for a country gentleman as could 

 possibly be found, especially for one such as the 

 owner, who has the means and inclination for in- 

 dulging in the sports of the field. Then trotting 



